Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes the long-awaited return of fans to stadiums in England will happen without any major issues.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that stadiums in tier 1 areas of England will be able to welcome up to 4,000 fans when the national lockdown ends on December 2. Grounds in tier 2 areas be allowed to hold up to 2,000 people, but those in tier 3 areas will remain closed to the public.
Guardiola does not envisage any major problems if Manchester City are able to open their gates at the Etihad to supporters for the first time since March.
“If they believe this is the best, we can do it, hopefully it will work and nothing wrong will happen. Everyone is [waiting] for fans to come back into stadiums,” he said ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Olympiacos.
“If the government have decided this it is because they have listened to the scientists and the doctors for what is the best for everyone.
“We are a lucky profession for the fact we can do our job. How many jobs are closed and will not reopen again? We are waiting to come back for our fans.”
Sergio Aguero was on the bench during the 2-0 loss to Tottenham after recovering from a hamstring injury but did not get on the field.
After the Argentinian underwent knee surgery in the summer, Guardiola is wary of rushing him back too soon.
He said: “Today he trained again. What we want is for him to feel a good feeling in his knee.
“We wait for him and there is still time. We have many, many games to play and we will need him. We want him in the best condition.”
Guardiola added that left-back Benjamin Mendy is back in contention after injury and midfielder Fernandinho has recovered from gastroenteritis.
Defender Nathan Ake is still out with a thigh injury but should return to training on Friday.
City are chasing a fourth-successive win in the competition which would secure a place in the last 16.
Guardiola, whose side were beaten by Tottenham at the weekend, said: “It is important for our qualification and also to recover our feelings. To be able to win games is important.
“We can leave this competition until February and focus on other competitions, especially the Premier League.”
