Flexing before playing the derby
LOG leaders Manchester City will take on second-placed Manchester United in a much anticipated English Premier League derby this weekend.
Ahead of this all-important clash, Manchester City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola, is toying around with his opposition, teasing that he is enjoying his own version of “Fergie time” after they yet again clinched a late 2-1 win, over West Ham United, on Sunday.
City, on top of the table with 43 points from 15 matches, have won their last three games in the final seven minutes of the 90.
“I heard about ‘Fergie time.’ I was not here in that period, but of course you have to have that,” he was quoted as saying by espnfc.
“What we show in the last games is we never give up. The opponent doesn’t want to play. They just want to defend – I understand, I am not judging, don’t misunderstand me – but it is difficult, they use the counter-attack and set pieces,” Guardiola added.
The Catalan tactician said he was surprised by Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba’s recent comments that he would like City’s players to pick up some injuries.
Pogba picked up a straight red against Arsenal as United won 3-1 the other day and will miss the Manchester Derby.
“Did he say that? Hopefully no-one will be injured,” Guardiola said.
“I would like that Paul could play against us because I like to face the team with the best players possible to see if we are able to beat them. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want other players to get injured.”
Before the derby, City travel to Ukraine to face Shakhtar Donetsk (Wednesday night – 9.40pm) in their final Champions League group game.
Guardiola vowed to play a strong team, saying City owed it to Napoli to compete because the Italian side could still progress if his side won.
“I said to the guys, anyone who doesn’t want to play against Donetsk tell me now please because I am going to prepare the game to win,” he added.
The Manchester derby will be played on Sunday night at 6.15pm. – IANS