City stars must be on guard says Pep
PEP GUARDIOLA says his Manchester City team will not suffer the complacency problems that sent neighbours United crashing to a shock defeat at Huddersfield.
Jose Mourinho slammed his United stars for going out with the wrong attitude when they lost 2-1 to David Wagner’s team at the John Smith’s Stadium last month.
But Guardiola claims there is no danger of that happening with his Premier League leaders as they bid for an 18th straight victory in all competitions tomorrow.
And he believes the fact that City were held to a goalless draw by Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup last season will be a vital reminder of what to expect.
“Complacency will not happen,” he said. “We will try to play in the best way and with the best attitude. All managers give warnings and say, ‘be careful, just because you are a top team with big names, don’t think that makes it easier’.
“We know exactly what to expect. We played against them last season in the FA Cup and we were not able to win. It’s complicated there. What Wagner has done speaks for itself.
“The result against United was a good signal – but not just them. At home Huddersfield have had good results. They are well organised, intense, they are so well organised and they have quality.”
Meanwhile Guardiola will not set Raheem Sterling any goal targets – despite the fact the England winger has already equalled his personal best for a season of 11 and is the club’s leading scorer, ahead of even Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.
Asked if the former Liverpool player can go on to get between 20-25 goals, Guardiola said: “It’s the best moment of his career and we’re only in November so there’s a lot of time. I don’t want him to think too much about scoring goals.”
Tommy Smith knows he could be putting a childhood friendship at risk if Huddersfield enjoy a shock win.
Smith was a youth player at City but left in January 2012 without ever making the senior side.
But the Premier League leaders are never far from his mind, as he still lives in Cheshire, and many of his friends support Guardiola’s team.
The right-back got plenty of messages thanking him after helping Huddersfield beat Manchester United last month but expects a frostier reception on Monday if his side have shocked City.
“There’s a guy I’ve been mates with since I was in high school.
“He’s a lifelong City fan, as is his dad. All his family are City supporters,” said Smith, 25.
“They were overjoyed after the Manchester United game.
“It didn’t take long for them to get in touch after that win.
“There could be some interesting conversations come Monday though. They might not want to talk to me if we win.
“But I couldn’t care less, so long as we have the three points.”