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How did you work with the team during the international break?
"Not much the first week, because we did not have a lot of players here. We had a few players to train, but more in the medical department. So we took a few days off, which was obviously, but from a training point of view, it's not that we needed it.
"The most difficult moments are the games that boys have to play. It's about the first time boys come back healthy, which is really good. Since yesterday we had them all together. The Brazilians obviously arrived a little later, and Bobby and Ali did a little less, but it was a good session. We have another one today and another tomorrow. We have three of them together, and I do not think Tottenham has had more, so that's the situation. Now let's play the game. "
What is your point of view on racism that has recently hit a number of international matches, including the England match in Montenegro?
"I do not know what to say about it. I am so disappointed that in our world people continue to say things like this, people continue to do so. They use their voice for completely wrong things. It's so frustrating that I really can not believe it.
"I watched the game against England, but without her. I was therefore surprised when Hendo received a yellow card, when Rose a yellow, when Rose was having a party in front of her supporters. I thought, "What's going on there?", But when I heard it later, it made sense.
"It is not allowed to ignore it. We must put our finger on it, speak loudly about it. We must end up saying that people are not allowed and that whoever does it is not funny.
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"It's very difficult for me to feel the situation of Raheem, Rose or other players who are facing something like that, because I've never had such a situation. But whatever I can do, I'll do it. We have to stop the games, do everything. I understand why Gareth did not do it, but it must be made clear that it is neither permitted nor possible. Every punishment from my point of view is allowed.
"There have been a few incidents in the last few weeks, not only racism, but also the race in the field, etc. It's not funny, and we have to say it clearly. So stop it.
Would you remove players from the field if they were victims of racist violence from the crowd?
"I do not think I would do it. But hear things like that, or see things, if it's a guy or two. If it was all the stand, I would do it 100%.
"But it's too much power for one or two idiots. We need to find ways to punish these guys and get them out. Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan, we had something in Germany. It was really big and at the end, they came alone to the police station and said, "We did it". And it's just that they know that if you do it, if it's a mistake, you're punished.
(Image: PA)
"It's not that the coaches have to do it, they're the match officials. If I remove the players and someone says, "It was not so bad," you lose the game. Our job is to win football games. But if a whole platform would do it, then it's completely different.
Four of your seven Premier League matches are at Anfield, is this a benefit?
"Two of these opponents are Tottenham and Chelsea! Of course, a home game is an advantage for us, but it's not that we can simply win a match at 60% or whatever.
"We like to play Anfield. It's a wonderful place and the boys are full of joy, people are on their guard, but we always respect our opponents. What are the four games? Tottenham, Chelsea, Huddersfield and the wolves? They all have reason to fight for points and results, and we respect them. I do not see a huge advantage.
"The next game is at home, so we think about it. Then we go to Southampton, which is unfortunately a very difficult match, because Ralf does a remarkable job. We have a lot to think about, and only one is where we play. "
How are you feeling – relaxed, excited, normal?
"I'm fine, everything's fine. I wanted to have this situation, and now we have it, it's great. Now we work.
"The boys are back, we train, we prepare the session, we are happy or not, then we go back into the games. I know how difficult the games are.
"People are thinking about our situation, seven games and they all have to win because City will not lose. But then we face Tottenham, so why should we give Tottenham an edge and say, "We have to win, you're happy with one point". It's an open game, and we have to be really ready for that. Do not go crazy, accept that we have problems in match, like Fulham.
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"It would have been a lot of fun if we were in every living room in the world where Liverpool fans sit and where they equalize with Ryan Babel. Who then thought we would be champions at the end of the season? But these moments will be present in the next seven games and, hopefully, in five Champions League matches. We have to sort them.
"If you expect to have no problems, you will be really surprised. But if you know that you will, then you are ready to receive them. Let's take advantage of the opportunities and fight for every yard on the ground. "
You had a big win in Tottenham earlier in the season …
"The match before we lost there 4-1, so it was a proper shot. Tottenham is hard to play, especially on the outside. It was a big, absolutely. Beat a team like Tottenham on his own field is really rare, and we felt good that day. "
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You have handled the setbacks well this season too …
"We have to show it day after day. Two weeks ago we did well in Fulham. Yes, it was a penalty, but I did not see a mbadive drop in mood, body language, whatever. The match lasts 95 minutes and as long as the referee does not whistle, you have the option to change the result.
"It was not the first time we scored a goal late, but it was huge and it was really good.
"Learn from your own experience, it's the best thing you can do in life. And if it works once, then it is easier to believe that it will work again. This does not mean that it will, but it is easier to believe.
How important is self-confidence at this point in the season?
"Their skills are just as important. Attitude, character, are also very important. But if you believe in something, it makes it more likely, 100%. The problem is that I'm pretty sure Manchester City also believes! So we will be disappointed at the end of the season.
"But let's go. Nobody knows what will be on May 13, but we are trying everything to make it a great day for us. "
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