Guardiola backs Delph for World d Cup berth

MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola believes Gareth Southgate would be taking a risk if he did not name Fabian Delph (pic) in England’s World Cup squad after an impressive season from the Manchester City utility man.

Delph, 28, overcame three injury-ravaged seasons to become Guardiola’s first-choice left-back following the knee problem suffered by Benjamin Mendy in September.

His form, and ability to play numerous positions, has seen the former Aston Villa midfielder emerge as a strong contender for Southgate’s squad.

Southgate visited Guardiola and his English contingent for talks at their training ground on Friday.

Delph won his ninth, and most recent, cap in November 2015, but Guardiola clearly believes his player should be on the plane to Russia when Southgate finalises his squad.

“Maybe it will be a risk if he doesn’t take him to the World Cup,” Guardiola said when asked if Southgate would be taking a gamble if he names Delph.

“Today Gareth Southgate was here, we speak together about the English players in the team, he is delighted with all of them; John Stones, Kyle (Walker), all of them. Delph as well.

“I would like to see Fabian Delph at the World Cup, of course it depends on Gareth, because I think he deserves it.

“He is a player who can play in different positions, he helps us to play good football, to be better, to give an extra pass.” “He has a good heart, he is a fantastic person,” said Guardiola. “I think heh is a guy for the group.

Another City player whose career has been blighted by injuries is cap ptain Vincent Kompany.

Guardiola is keen to try y and ensure the 32-yearold enjoys a trouble-free c campaign when he enters the last season of hi is contract in August. “We miss him when he is s not fit. When he is fit he is one of the best central defenders I have seen in my life,” said Guardiola.

“But his problems are a bit similar to Fabian in maintaining fitness. Now w we have the same feeling as we had last season whenw we finished with seven wins in a row.

Guardiola has also lea aped to the defence of forward Raheem Sterling g whom, he believes, has gained an unfair rep putation for simulation after failing with some high-profile penalty claims this season n.

“He has to learn tha at in terms of accepting the reality,” sai d Guardiola.

“Of course, people talk k too much and say he is diving. Peo ople start to talk about that t and then people start to believe that.

“He is a guy who is quite honest. He is smart, intelligent and he e is not a guy who kicks thet opponent. But this is a problemp for the referees, not for Sterling.”