Pep is on his Guard
CITY BOSS CAUTIOUS
PEP GUARDIOLA has vowed he will not make the same mistake as Jose Mourinho in taking Huddersfield for granted.
Table-toppers Manchester City head to the John Smith’s Stadium tomorrow in imperious form. Guardiola’s men have won 18 and drawn one of their 19 games so far this term.
But after United boss Mourinho laid into his team for complacency in defeat against the Terriers last month, his City counterpart insists the same thing will not happen.
Guardiola, who could only manage a goalless draw away at David Wagner’s side in the FA Cup last season, said: “Complacency will not occur.
“We played last season against them, we were not able to win there in the FA Cup and it’s complicated there.
“The result against United was a good signal. But it’s not just that one.
“At home they’ve had good results. They are well organised, intense and have quality.
“The warning is to say, ‘Be careful’ but it doesn’t matter. Sometimes with big names and ® big clubs I think it’s about desire. But the game is the game and sometimes you have to accept the opponent is better.” Meanwhile, Guardiola is relieved that leading scorer Raheem Sterling has not been punished under the FA’s new retrospective diving regulations. Everton’s Oumar Niasse became the first Premier League player to be punished under that rule this week as he was banned for two games. But he could have been beaten to that dubious honour by Sterling, who was accused of diving by Arsene Wenger in City’s recent win over rivals Arsenal. It was a claim which City were furious about. And Guardiola added: “Football is a quick game, a fast game, the referee has just seconds to decide and that can be so complicated. “They decided from the beginning of the season they are going to ban, we knew it, so that’s what it is. “That’s why I was happy Raheem against Arsenal was not banned.”