21 February,2017 09:17 AM IST | | AFP
In Jesus's absence, Manchester City manager Guardiola happy to back experienced Argentina striker vs Monaco in Round-of-16 clash today
London: Pep Guardiola insists his relationship with Sergio Aguero remains strong despite speculation over the Man City striker's future since the arrival of Gabriel Jesus.
Teenage sensation Jesus took Aguero's place in the starting line-up before breaking a bone in his foot.
That forced Guardiola to recall Aguero for an FA Cup fifth round draw at second tier Huddersfield on Sunday. But it was an uninspired performance by Aguero in the goalless draw and the rapport between forward and manager looked strained.
With just two goals to his name since the end of November, recent events have fuelled the speculation that Aguero, 28, could end his six-year stay with City once the current campaign is over. But, as Guardiola prepared for the first game of a two-legged tie with Monaco in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, the City boss insisted he is handling Aguero no differently to at any time in the past.
"Sergio has enough experience. He knows, everyone knows," Guardiola said. "We are going to talk with him like with all of his teammates to convince him in these two games, 180 minutes, that we are not going to be able to do our best performance because in this level it is so demanding in the Champions League," Guardiola said.
