Guardiola ready for tough test
LONDON: Pep Guardiola is weary of old foe Jose Mourinho’s ability to roll with the punches ahead of today’s top-of-the-table clash.
Manchester City head to Old Trafford aiming for a 14th successive Premier League win to equal the all-time record in the English top flight. Not only that but victory would also put a huge 11 points between themselves and second-place United if they prevail.
But United are seeking to set a record of their own by notching up a 41st consecutive home match without defeat and City manager Guardiola is only too aware of Mourinho’s ability get results come the crunch clashes.
“Until now we cannot complain in terms of results and especially the way we have played,” said Guardiola, who was the last away manager to win at Old Trafford in September last year.
“When you see in every game the statistics — not just the way we play — we are better in terms of potential goals, possession and chances conceded.
“But I think United are fantastic on that. When the statistics are good they win and when they are not good they are able to win 3-1 (against Arsenal) at the Emirates, one of the most difficult stadiums.
“They conceded 33 shots and they won 3-1. Few teams in the world are able to do that. That’s why you have to be careful. You can control, you can do many things good, but then they have the talent to do that.”
Meanwhile, Mourinho has started the mind games early ahead of the Manchester derby claiming it only takes a “little bit of wind” for City’s players to fall to the ground.
“They are a good team. They defend well, they react well to the moment they lose the ball,” Mourinho said.
“They have a good dynamic in attack, they have creative movement. They have amazing players, they have a fantastic coach, they have lots of good things.
“If you ask me one thing that I don’t like a lot it’s that they lose their balance very easily. You know, a little bit of wind and they fall.”