'It's a real lift at a time when there's a bit of a wobble'

News of Pep Guardiola agreeing a new contract to stay as manager will be a "big lift" for Manchester City's players as they return to Premier League action this weekend, says former City midfielder Michael Brown.

City lost four successive matches in all competitions before the international break and are five points behind league leaders Liverpool.

"I think it [the uncertainty about Guardiola's future] has been there in the back of their minds and they've been wondering what's going to happen," Brown told a special episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"So if there are contract negotiations, that would be key; who was going to be the manager and what stage would the club be at. I'm not going to lie, I think that's normal. You've got to understand who your coach is going to be, these top players are looking at that all of the time.

"What it has brought, when the team have come back from international duty, will be a lot of excitement and a lot of people thinking 'we are back on, we are ready to fight' because with no Pep, who's going to come in and who is going to be as good as him?

"Everyone who has ever worked with him at all the clubs he's been involved with have talked about how he's made them far better players.

"It's a real positive and a real lift at a time when there is a bit of a wobble inside Etihad Stadium, because of the injuries and results. I think that's a big lift."

Listen to more analysis on BBC Sounds