Pep tells Kyle to keep calm and carry on

PEP GUARDIOLA has urged Kyle Walker to stay focused and keep his emotions in check as he faces battles for club and country. The Manchester City defender was a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad and has £60million right back Joao Cancelo breathing down his neck at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola had lengthy talks with the 29-year-old during matches on tour and in the Community Shield. He believes Walker can recover from his England setback after Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold were all selected ahead of him.

‘When Kyle is stable in the mind, he knows exactly what he has to do and always performs well. Be stable here,’ Guardiola said, tapping his head. ‘Be consistent, be seven or eight (out of 10) all the time — that is what we have to work on with him. He is incredibly strong and he will be back.

‘He’s played really well in the beginning of the season. Try to understand that Wan-Bissaka and Alexander-Arnold are incredible full-backs too. He has to continue

performing well to come back to the national team.’

Guardiola, whose side welcome Brighton to the Etihad today, also implored midfielder Phil Foden to complain about a lack of opportunities. The teenager has played just 10 minutes of league football this season.

He is included in the England Under 21 squad, while former international team-mates James Maddison and Mason Mount join Southgate’s senior squad.

City have consistently knocked back interest in Foden and Guardiola insisted he will be given his chance.

‘He is a shy guy,’ he added. ‘I would like him to talk to me more. I go to him a lot. He still looks at me a little bit like, “Respect the manager”, and after two or three seasons it’s not necessary.

‘I like him a lot but it’s Man City and he’s playing alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, David Silva.

‘I looked at the schedule today and said, “Wow, how many games do we have?” Everyone is going to have minutes. Phil is nice, he is OK, everything is in the right position.’