Southgate is weighing up Delph recall, says Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes England would take a risk by not taking Fabian Delph to the World Cup.
Guardiola discussed Delph’s qualities with Gareth Southgate when the national team manager visited the City’s training complex on Friday. Ahead of their home game against Huddersfield Town today, at which they will be presented with the Premier League trophy, Guardiola said Delph could be recalled by England 2½ years since the last of his nine caps.
“Maybe it will be a risk if he doesn’t take him to the World Cup,” said Guardiola when asked if Southgate would be taking a risk if he named Delph.
“Gareth Southgate was here, we speak together about the English players in the team, he is delighted with all of them; John Stones, Kyle [Walker], all of them. Delph as well. I would like to see Fabian Delph at the World Cup because I think he deserves it.”
Delph, 28, has impressed as a makeshift left-back this season but concerns remain about his durability – today would be just his 30th Premier League start in three seasons at City. Guardiola believes his versatility and form outweigh them.
“He can play in different positions, he helps us to play good football, to be better, to give an extra pass.
“He is an exceptional player, the only problem is the fact about injuries. Our dream for next season is he would be regularly more fit than he was in the last two. We are going to work on that.”
Southgate will be keen to assess Stones’s return to action for City today. Stones is a key player for England but has not featured for City since damaging an adductor muscle in March.
The opposing manager today, David Wagner, has been urged to remain at Huddersfield regardless of whether they stay in the Premier League.
The German is subject of increasing speculation linking him to clubs in Britain and Germany. The latest proposed destination is Liverpool, where he has been mooted as an assistant to his friend Jurgen Klopp.
Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl said: “David is the best coach I’ve had. I hope he would stay even if we go down but it’s only him who knows that. I sense he has a huge passion and belief in this club.”