Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City: Pep Guardiola's Key Pre-Match Presser Quotes

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that he has a number of tired players ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace following the international break, but he confirmed the Sky Blues have no new injury concerns.

The Spanish manager also defended Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney after the forward was pictured partying while on international duty earlier this week, per Nick Parker and Jake Ryan in the Sun.

A number of Guardiola's key City players travelled back from South America after the international break, but the manager said they are all fit to face the Eagles at Selhurst Park, per ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery:

City's last outing in the league saw them earn only a 1-1 home draw with Middlesbrough, and they will be eager to pick up all three points against Alan Pardew's Palace and potentially return to the top of the table.

Guardiola refused to directly comment on the Rooney situation but said he has a great deal of respect for the United skipper and admitted he was glad camera phones were not a feature of his playing days, per BBC Sport's Matthew Henry and Michael Emons:

"

I was an international player and sometimes I [was] drunk. I was lucky there were no pictures. We are people and are old enough to take responsibility. But it's private life.

I don't like it when people comment on my private life so I won't comment. I have a lot of respect for the career of Wayne Rooney.

"

The former Barcelona manager also hailed the upcoming arrival at the Etihad Stadium of Gabriel Jesus, who netted again for Brazil in their World Cup qualifier with Peru earlier in the week, per City:

Given the youngster's impressive form, he may even be able to force his way into the first team immediately when he arrives in the new year, as assessed by the Manchester Evening News' Simon Bajkowski.

He will not be an option for Guardiola for Saturday's key clash, though, but City should still have more than enough to pick up all three points.

The Sky Blues are not enjoying the best run of form having won just once in their last five Premier League games, but they remain third in the table, two points behind leaders Liverpool.

Palace, meanwhile, are down in 16th spot after four defeats on the bounce, and it would be something of a shock were that not to be five losses in a row following Saturday's action in south London.