PEP: BRUGES GAME BIGGER THAN THE DERBY!

PEP GUARDIOLA has claimed tonight’s clash with Club Bruges holds more significance to Manchester City’s season than this weekend’s derby at Old Trafford. Victory over the Belgians, who they beat 5-1 a fortnight ago, would put City in a commanding position to reach the Champions League knockout stage. Guardiola’s side are five points adrift of Chelsea in the Premier League title race ahead of their trip to Manchester United but the Spaniard played down Saturday’s clash. ‘This is more important than United — this game gives us an incredible opportunity to make a step forward to qualify,’ he said. ‘In the Premier League there are many games, here only three left. Games three and four are decisive. ‘We have to take it seriously. Every year this competition is trickier.’ While City have not scored in their last two games, the 50-year-old believes recent displays are among the best of his tenure. But Guardiola (below) did admit to being unimpressed by the team’s defensive display in Bruges. ‘In terms of the way we are playing, I’d say (it is) one of the best moments, maybe the best since we’ve been here,’ he added. ‘At the same time, we are still making mistakes. ‘Collectively they have to improve. Sometimes the back four, or our pressing. ‘I saw the game against Bruges and (asked), “How many bad things have we done?” After the game I said how incredible the performance was but defensively it was not really good.’ Asked whether City’s players had pinpointed areas to address, defender Kyle Walker said: ‘Maybe the boss isn’t happy with the press, we’ll have to wait until training to find out. I don’t think it’s just the back four. You defend from the front.’ Meanwhile, Guardiola hopes Sergio Aguero does not rush back to football after being taken to hospital with chest pains on Saturday. Aguero, 33, walked off in the 41st minute of Barcelona’s draw with Alaves and underwent ‘a diagnostic and therapeutic process’. He has been advised to take three months rest from the game. ‘It is difficult news for everyone, but especially him and his family,’ Guardiola said. ‘We wish him a speedy recovery, but it does not matter about the time. Health is much more important. And he can come back if he can — otherwise enjoy his life. It depends, I am not a doctor, but be careful and safe for the rest of his life.’