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Pep Guardiola - Discussion Thread
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Manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester City must not be distracted by emotions in Sunday's derby against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium.
City, who won 3-0 at Old Trafford in October, are second in the Premier League, four places above United.
City are unbeaten in 18 games and United have lost only once this year.
"What I learn from my experience in these types of games is to be more calm, relax, don't talk about many things," Guardiola said.
"Just focus on tactics and what you have to do to beat them, not about emotions - because emotions will be there, without doubt."
League leaders Liverpool's dramatic 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday moved them four points clear of City, who travel to Anfield on 10 March.
This is the first Manchester derby since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner of United.
He has said he wants to knock City "off their perch" within three years and described their 4-0 win over Real Madrid in last season's Champions League semi-final as "the best football I've seen".
City manager Pep Guardiola said it is a "complete honour" to receive praise from Ratcliffe.
"I just say 'thank you so much'," Guardiola said.
"Sometimes they are more than the titles, the compliments of the personalities that make this country, like Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments. It is a complete honour for us.
"One can produce emotions and feelings for the players and our rivals. That helps to do our job. Thank you so much on behalf of all of us."
City have won five of the past six Premier League titles, while United's most recent came in 2013. Last year City matched their rivals' feat from 1998-99 by winning the Treble.
"The 80s was Liverpool, 90s United and now we have won seven Premier Leagues in the last 11 or 12 years," said Guardiola.
"But in 50 or 60 years there has never been one country where one team always dominates and controls everything. We will try in this organisation to extend this as much as possible for many years.
"Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his people know the diagnosis of their club. I don't know anything about that club.
"If they said they need two or three years to be there, who am I to say the opposite?"
United manager Erik ten Hag said: "You can always learn from opponents who are successful, and you have to do it if you want to go to high levels but, at the same time, we have to do it in a United way.
"This is a different club with a different environment, with a different DNA. But you pick up things that can be successful and you integrate it in your own model."
'City could run away with it' - what the pundits say
Former United striker Dion Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live: "City should win this four or five, on paper, because of the way they score goals.
"However, when it comes to the pride of the city and being able to leave your house on Monday morning, knowing that you have given blood, sweat and tears, it kind of changes the narrative of the game.
"If Manchester United don't turn up, they could get done four or five. If they do turn up and every single player does what they can, this could be a close one."
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has predicted a 6-1 win for City.
"City will win, I've got no doubt about that. It's just a question of how many will they score," he said.
"If it clicks for City - and Kevin de Bruyne has said he feels like he is getting better by the game - then they could run away with it."
There will be full commentary of the game on BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday, with build-up starting at 12:00 GMT.
BBC
City, who won 3-0 at Old Trafford in October, are second in the Premier League, four places above United.
City are unbeaten in 18 games and United have lost only once this year.
"What I learn from my experience in these types of games is to be more calm, relax, don't talk about many things," Guardiola said.
"Just focus on tactics and what you have to do to beat them, not about emotions - because emotions will be there, without doubt."
League leaders Liverpool's dramatic 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday moved them four points clear of City, who travel to Anfield on 10 March.
This is the first Manchester derby since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner of United.
He has said he wants to knock City "off their perch" within three years and described their 4-0 win over Real Madrid in last season's Champions League semi-final as "the best football I've seen".
City manager Pep Guardiola said it is a "complete honour" to receive praise from Ratcliffe.
"I just say 'thank you so much'," Guardiola said.
"Sometimes they are more than the titles, the compliments of the personalities that make this country, like Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments. It is a complete honour for us.
"One can produce emotions and feelings for the players and our rivals. That helps to do our job. Thank you so much on behalf of all of us."
City have won five of the past six Premier League titles, while United's most recent came in 2013. Last year City matched their rivals' feat from 1998-99 by winning the Treble.
"The 80s was Liverpool, 90s United and now we have won seven Premier Leagues in the last 11 or 12 years," said Guardiola.
"But in 50 or 60 years there has never been one country where one team always dominates and controls everything. We will try in this organisation to extend this as much as possible for many years.
"Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his people know the diagnosis of their club. I don't know anything about that club.
"If they said they need two or three years to be there, who am I to say the opposite?"
United manager Erik ten Hag said: "You can always learn from opponents who are successful, and you have to do it if you want to go to high levels but, at the same time, we have to do it in a United way.
"This is a different club with a different environment, with a different DNA. But you pick up things that can be successful and you integrate it in your own model."
'City could run away with it' - what the pundits say
Former United striker Dion Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live: "City should win this four or five, on paper, because of the way they score goals.
"However, when it comes to the pride of the city and being able to leave your house on Monday morning, knowing that you have given blood, sweat and tears, it kind of changes the narrative of the game.
"If Manchester United don't turn up, they could get done four or five. If they do turn up and every single player does what they can, this could be a close one."
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has predicted a 6-1 win for City.
"City will win, I've got no doubt about that. It's just a question of how many will they score," he said.
"If it clicks for City - and Kevin de Bruyne has said he feels like he is getting better by the game - then they could run away with it."
There will be full commentary of the game on BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday, with build-up starting at 12:00 GMT.
BBC
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‘No regrets’: Guardiola proud that City did ‘everything’ despite European exit
Pep Guardiola claimed he had “no regrets” after Manchester City’s dream of a double-treble ended in the heartbreak of a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid on a night when Arsenal also crashed out of the Champions League, their 1-0 loss at Bayern Munich consigning them to a 3-2 aggregate defeat.
City came from behind in their quarter-final second leg at the Etihad Stadium, Kevin De Bruyne’s 76th-minute strike cancelling out Rodrygo’s opener early in the first half. Yet despite the holders dominating possession, Real held on until the end of extra time and eventually prevailed from the spot.
Julian Álvarez scored City’s first penalty before Luka Modric missed for the visitors. That felt like an early, decisive moment but Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert City’s next two. The remaining kicks all proved successful, with Antonio Rüdiger striking the winning penalty for the 14-time champions.
Pep Guardiola offered congratulations to Real and said City should have beaten Real before the shootout. “It is what is – sometimes you win on penalties and sometimes not. We should have done it before – for how we played,” the manager said. “I absolutely don’t have any regrets – we did everything offensively and defensively. Football is about scoring goals and they did it a little bit better than us from the penalty spot. They are in the semi-finals and we are not. I have to say from my heart, thank you to my players.”
De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were substituted before the shootout. “They asked me to – they could not continue,” explained Guardiola.
Arsenal were eliminated as a result of Joshua Kimmich’s 63rd-minute header at the Allianz Arena. Mikel Arteta described his dressing room as “gutted”, adding: “I cannot find the right words to lift them, I wish I had. We have to go through it [this pain]. We tried against a team that has a lot of experience and through the tie I think the margins have been very small.
“There have been moments where we have been better. We gave them two goals [in the first leg], a big advantage to give away, and today you could see it was margin of error zero, we made a mistake defending, we conceded. Then it was difficult. We tried in many different ways but it’s difficult. It is the moment to stay next to the players, give them support, because they are the ones who have taken us on this journey.”
Guardiola now has to pick his players up for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final versus Chelsea, while Arsenal, who are two points behind City in the Premier League, travel to Wolves on the same evening.
THE GURADIAN
Pep Guardiola claimed he had “no regrets” after Manchester City’s dream of a double-treble ended in the heartbreak of a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid on a night when Arsenal also crashed out of the Champions League, their 1-0 loss at Bayern Munich consigning them to a 3-2 aggregate defeat.
City came from behind in their quarter-final second leg at the Etihad Stadium, Kevin De Bruyne’s 76th-minute strike cancelling out Rodrygo’s opener early in the first half. Yet despite the holders dominating possession, Real held on until the end of extra time and eventually prevailed from the spot.
Julian Álvarez scored City’s first penalty before Luka Modric missed for the visitors. That felt like an early, decisive moment but Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert City’s next two. The remaining kicks all proved successful, with Antonio Rüdiger striking the winning penalty for the 14-time champions.
Pep Guardiola offered congratulations to Real and said City should have beaten Real before the shootout. “It is what is – sometimes you win on penalties and sometimes not. We should have done it before – for how we played,” the manager said. “I absolutely don’t have any regrets – we did everything offensively and defensively. Football is about scoring goals and they did it a little bit better than us from the penalty spot. They are in the semi-finals and we are not. I have to say from my heart, thank you to my players.”
De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were substituted before the shootout. “They asked me to – they could not continue,” explained Guardiola.
Arsenal were eliminated as a result of Joshua Kimmich’s 63rd-minute header at the Allianz Arena. Mikel Arteta described his dressing room as “gutted”, adding: “I cannot find the right words to lift them, I wish I had. We have to go through it [this pain]. We tried against a team that has a lot of experience and through the tie I think the margins have been very small.
“There have been moments where we have been better. We gave them two goals [in the first leg], a big advantage to give away, and today you could see it was margin of error zero, we made a mistake defending, we conceded. Then it was difficult. We tried in many different ways but it’s difficult. It is the moment to stay next to the players, give them support, because they are the ones who have taken us on this journey.”
Guardiola now has to pick his players up for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final versus Chelsea, while Arsenal, who are two points behind City in the Premier League, travel to Wolves on the same evening.
THE GURADIAN
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'I didn't say I was leaving' - Guardiola undecided on future
Pep Guardiola says he could stay at Manchester City beyond the end of the season.
Manager Guardiola's contract expires at the end of the coming campaign.
In the aftermath of City's historic fourth successive Premier League title success, Guardiola raised doubts over his own future when he said he was "closer to leaving than staying".
The Spaniard has been in charge of City for eight seasons and has won the league on six occasions, part of an overall 17-trophy haul.
Speaking to reporters in New York ahead of City's pre-season encounter with AC Milan at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Guardiola said nothing had been decided.
"I didn't say I was leaving," he said.
"Nine years at the same club is an eternity. I don't rule out extending the contract. I want to be sure it is the right decision for the club and the players.
"When I decide, I will talk with my CEO and sporting director. But I want to start the season, and look at how everything is going and how connected we are. After, we will see."
Guardiola said he hopes to be in charge for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, to be held in the United States next summer, but was not sure about the tournament itself, which is at the centre of a dispute between world governing body Fifa and the major players' unions.
City could end up playing 75 matches across the season, starting with the Community Shield with Manchester United at Wembley on 10 August and potentially ending in the Club World Cup final in the United States on 13 July.
Striker Erling Haaland says it is impossible for any player to be fresh for so many matches.
"It is difficult to be sharp if you play 70 games a year," Haaland said.
"You could see at the Euros how tired people will be. Some will get a lot of vacation. You have to work with the people around you to be the best version of yourself."
Not that Guardiola seemed to have much sympathy for the Norwegian.
Guardiola allowed the City players involved in the Copa America and Euro 2024 latter stages to choose when they returned to pre-season training because he did not want them coming back exhausted.
Norway, for whom Haaland plays, failed to qualify for the Euros.
"Has to rest more," said Guardiola of Haaland. "If he is tired, go to bed early. Tired is an excuse."
BBC
Pep Guardiola says he could stay at Manchester City beyond the end of the season.
Manager Guardiola's contract expires at the end of the coming campaign.
In the aftermath of City's historic fourth successive Premier League title success, Guardiola raised doubts over his own future when he said he was "closer to leaving than staying".
The Spaniard has been in charge of City for eight seasons and has won the league on six occasions, part of an overall 17-trophy haul.
Speaking to reporters in New York ahead of City's pre-season encounter with AC Milan at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Guardiola said nothing had been decided.
"I didn't say I was leaving," he said.
"Nine years at the same club is an eternity. I don't rule out extending the contract. I want to be sure it is the right decision for the club and the players.
"When I decide, I will talk with my CEO and sporting director. But I want to start the season, and look at how everything is going and how connected we are. After, we will see."
Guardiola said he hopes to be in charge for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, to be held in the United States next summer, but was not sure about the tournament itself, which is at the centre of a dispute between world governing body Fifa and the major players' unions.
City could end up playing 75 matches across the season, starting with the Community Shield with Manchester United at Wembley on 10 August and potentially ending in the Club World Cup final in the United States on 13 July.
Striker Erling Haaland says it is impossible for any player to be fresh for so many matches.
"It is difficult to be sharp if you play 70 games a year," Haaland said.
"You could see at the Euros how tired people will be. Some will get a lot of vacation. You have to work with the people around you to be the best version of yourself."
Not that Guardiola seemed to have much sympathy for the Norwegian.
Guardiola allowed the City players involved in the Copa America and Euro 2024 latter stages to choose when they returned to pre-season training because he did not want them coming back exhausted.
Norway, for whom Haaland plays, failed to qualify for the Euros.
"Has to rest more," said Guardiola of Haaland. "If he is tired, go to bed early. Tired is an excuse."
BBC
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Pep Guardiola's defining year? Man City preparing for title defence and planning transfers despite looming court case
Manchester City head into the new season aiming to continue their Premier League dominance with a fifth consecutive title in what may prove to be a defining year for Pep Guardiola.
The City manager's future at the club is undecided as he enters the final year of his contract and there is uncertainty off the pitch too, with their court case for the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League brought forward to next month.
There's no doubt that the club would dearly love Pep to stay. The board recognises that they have not only the best manager in the club's history, but also one of the very best the world has ever seen.
City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak confirmed in the summer that he would be having further talks with Guardiola to try to convince him to sign another contract extension, one that would take him beyond a ninth season in charge at the Etihad.
However, there is also a recognition from Guardiola himself that he can't stay at City forever and at some point, he will wake up and decide that he either wants a break or a new challenge.
www.skysports.com
Manchester City head into the new season aiming to continue their Premier League dominance with a fifth consecutive title in what may prove to be a defining year for Pep Guardiola.
The City manager's future at the club is undecided as he enters the final year of his contract and there is uncertainty off the pitch too, with their court case for the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League brought forward to next month.
There's no doubt that the club would dearly love Pep to stay. The board recognises that they have not only the best manager in the club's history, but also one of the very best the world has ever seen.
City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak confirmed in the summer that he would be having further talks with Guardiola to try to convince him to sign another contract extension, one that would take him beyond a ninth season in charge at the Etihad.
However, there is also a recognition from Guardiola himself that he can't stay at City forever and at some point, he will wake up and decide that he either wants a break or a new challenge.
Pep Guardiola's defining year? Man City preparing for title defence and planning transfers despite looming court case
Man City are targeting an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title but the clubs court case looms large; Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom outlines the state of play at the club, including Pep Guardiolas future and transfer plans
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Foden unlikely to join England squad - Guardiola
Phil Foden is unlikely to join up with the England squad for their upcoming Nations League games because of illness, says Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The 24-year-old has only played 45 minutes this season, as a substitute for City against Chelsea two weeks ago.
He was named in England interim boss Lee Carsley's squad for their Nations League second-tier games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
"I don't think so right now," said Guardiola about Foden linking up with England.
"I think he will not go but I don't know. He doesn't feel well. But national teams, they decide."
Foden has won 41 caps for England and started all their games at Euro 2024.
England take on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 7 September (17:00 BST) and Finland at Wembley on 10 September (19:45).
BBC
Phil Foden is unlikely to join up with the England squad for their upcoming Nations League games because of illness, says Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The 24-year-old has only played 45 minutes this season, as a substitute for City against Chelsea two weeks ago.
He was named in England interim boss Lee Carsley's squad for their Nations League second-tier games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
"I don't think so right now," said Guardiola about Foden linking up with England.
"I think he will not go but I don't know. He doesn't feel well. But national teams, they decide."
Foden has won 41 caps for England and started all their games at Euro 2024.
England take on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 7 September (17:00 BST) and Finland at Wembley on 10 September (19:45).
BBC
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Premier League rivals want to see us punished - Guardiola
Manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's Premier League rivals want to see the club punished for alleged breaches of the top flight's financial rules.
Guardiola says he is glad the hearing into City's 115 charges will begin on Monday.
City were charged and referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
It is alleged City breached the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
City strongly deny all charges and have said their case is supported by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence".
Javier Tebas, president of Spain's La Liga, is a long-time critic of City, owned by the Abu Dhabi-backed City Football Group and has repeatedly accused the them - together with Qatar-backed PSG - of being a state club and of "financial doping".
Tebas says he has spoken to many Premier League clubs and believes they want to see the current champions punished.
"I have spoken with many Premier League clubs and most of them understand that City should be sanctioned," he was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo., external
Responding to these comments on Friday, former Barcelona boss Guardiola said: "For the first time I agree with Tebas.
"All the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that is for sure. But that's why I say to Mr Tebas and the Premier League teams, wait for the independent panel.
"Justice is there in a modern democracy. It's not more complicated than that.
"I don't know if he is a lawyer or the rest of the Premier League teams are lawyers, so I ask for that. It happened with Uefa.
"We believe we have not done anything wrong.”
Billed as sport's 'trial of the century', it is expected to run for 10 weeks - with a verdict likely in early 2025.
The Premier League has also accused the reigning champions of not co-operating with its investigation.
When the Premier League investigation began, City said the allegations were "entirely false" and that allegations originally published in German newspaper Der Spiegel came from "illegal hacking and out of context publication of City emails".
If found guilty of the most serious charges, City could be hit with a points deduction serious enough to condemn them to relegation - or even expulsion - from the Premier League.
City have won eight league titles, multiple cups and the Champions League since their 2008 Abu Dhabi takeover.
"It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon," Guardiola said of the hearing. "An independent panel will decide and I am looking forward to the decision.
"I'm happy it's starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We're going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.
"Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we'll see."
BBC
Manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's Premier League rivals want to see the club punished for alleged breaches of the top flight's financial rules.
Guardiola says he is glad the hearing into City's 115 charges will begin on Monday.
City were charged and referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
It is alleged City breached the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
City strongly deny all charges and have said their case is supported by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence".
Javier Tebas, president of Spain's La Liga, is a long-time critic of City, owned by the Abu Dhabi-backed City Football Group and has repeatedly accused the them - together with Qatar-backed PSG - of being a state club and of "financial doping".
Tebas says he has spoken to many Premier League clubs and believes they want to see the current champions punished.
"I have spoken with many Premier League clubs and most of them understand that City should be sanctioned," he was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo., external
Responding to these comments on Friday, former Barcelona boss Guardiola said: "For the first time I agree with Tebas.
"All the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that is for sure. But that's why I say to Mr Tebas and the Premier League teams, wait for the independent panel.
"Justice is there in a modern democracy. It's not more complicated than that.
"I don't know if he is a lawyer or the rest of the Premier League teams are lawyers, so I ask for that. It happened with Uefa.
"We believe we have not done anything wrong.”
Billed as sport's 'trial of the century', it is expected to run for 10 weeks - with a verdict likely in early 2025.
The Premier League has also accused the reigning champions of not co-operating with its investigation.
When the Premier League investigation began, City said the allegations were "entirely false" and that allegations originally published in German newspaper Der Spiegel came from "illegal hacking and out of context publication of City emails".
If found guilty of the most serious charges, City could be hit with a points deduction serious enough to condemn them to relegation - or even expulsion - from the Premier League.
City have won eight league titles, multiple cups and the Champions League since their 2008 Abu Dhabi takeover.
"It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon," Guardiola said of the hearing. "An independent panel will decide and I am looking forward to the decision.
"I'm happy it's starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We're going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.
"Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we'll see."
BBC
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Change to fixture demands must be player-led - Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says any changes regarding football's increasing fixture demands must be led by the players.
City's Spain midfielder Rodri, 28, said on Tuesday that footballers are close to going on strike in protest at the number of games in the calendar.
"If something is going to change, it must come from the players. They are the only ones who can change something," Guardiola said.
"The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media, owners but without players you cannot play. They alone have the power to do it."
In July, Fifpro said it would take legal action against Fifa over what the global players' union called an "abuse of dominance" in football.
A report by Fifpro said that a player welfare 'red line' was playing a maximum of between 50 and 60 matches per season, depending on a player's age.
This season could potentially run until 13 July for some clubs, when next summer's expanded Club World Cup final concludes.
City could play a maximum of 76 matches during the 2024-25 campaign in contesting the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions league, Club World Cup and Community Shield - while many players will also play international fixtures.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca echoed Guardiola's comments and agreed there is "no doubt" there are too many games in the schedule.
“I don't think we protect the players. It's completely wrong how many games [there are]," Maresca said.
"The only people who can do something is the players. We can help them.
"I think the last two weeks some of the players have explained what they think and I think it's a good starting point. Some said strike could be an idea for them."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says any changes regarding football's increasing fixture demands must be led by the players.
City's Spain midfielder Rodri, 28, said on Tuesday that footballers are close to going on strike in protest at the number of games in the calendar.
"If something is going to change, it must come from the players. They are the only ones who can change something," Guardiola said.
"The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media, owners but without players you cannot play. They alone have the power to do it."
In July, Fifpro said it would take legal action against Fifa over what the global players' union called an "abuse of dominance" in football.
A report by Fifpro said that a player welfare 'red line' was playing a maximum of between 50 and 60 matches per season, depending on a player's age.
This season could potentially run until 13 July for some clubs, when next summer's expanded Club World Cup final concludes.
City could play a maximum of 76 matches during the 2024-25 campaign in contesting the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions league, Club World Cup and Community Shield - while many players will also play international fixtures.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca echoed Guardiola's comments and agreed there is "no doubt" there are too many games in the schedule.
“I don't think we protect the players. It's completely wrong how many games [there are]," Maresca said.
"The only people who can do something is the players. We can help them.
"I think the last two weeks some of the players have explained what they think and I think it's a good starting point. Some said strike could be an idea for them."
Player strikes: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says change must be player-led
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says any change regarding football's increasing fixture demands "must come from the players".
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Guardiola says he's been provoked into bigger Arsenal rivalry
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he's been provoked into a more intense rivalry with Arsenal as the fallout continues from their Premier League clash at Etihad Stadium last weekend.
Sunday's 2-2 draw between the title rivals saw several flashpoints, including City striker Erling Haaland throwing the ball at the head of Gunners defender Gabriel.
Following the match City's John Stones and Kyle Walker said the Gunners used the "dark arts" while trying to protect their 2-1 half-time lead. Substitute Stones scrambled a leveller in the eighth minute of added time.
Speaking on Friday, Guardiola said: "You want a war? Now we war.
"Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match, so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, to push them, and at the end, what can you do? You provoke me, OK, I'm there."
Brazilian centre-back Gabriel had said after the game: "It's a battle, a war, so it's normal to have provocative acts in football, it's part of the game. Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground."
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he's been provoked into a more intense rivalry with Arsenal as the fallout continues from their Premier League clash at Etihad Stadium last weekend.
Sunday's 2-2 draw between the title rivals saw several flashpoints, including City striker Erling Haaland throwing the ball at the head of Gunners defender Gabriel.
Following the match City's John Stones and Kyle Walker said the Gunners used the "dark arts" while trying to protect their 2-1 half-time lead. Substitute Stones scrambled a leveller in the eighth minute of added time.
Speaking on Friday, Guardiola said: "You want a war? Now we war.
"Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match, so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, to push them, and at the end, what can you do? You provoke me, OK, I'm there."
Brazilian centre-back Gabriel had said after the game: "It's a battle, a war, so it's normal to have provocative acts in football, it's part of the game. Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground."
Pep Guardiola: Man City boss says he's been provoked into bigger Arsenal rivalry
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he's been provoked into a more intense rivalry with Arsenal as the fallout continues from their Premier League clash at Etihad Stadium last weekend.
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Guardiola wants delayed start for Man City next season
Pep Guardiola wants Manchester City's first matches of next season to be postponed - but fears the Premier League are not interested in helping ease the burden on their players.
Guardiola said City had asked for the delay because of the club's involvement with the Club World Cup, but said the Premier League would not accept the request.
The final of the 32-team event is set for 13 July at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, creating a gap of either four or five weeks to the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Three of those weeks will be mandatory rest periods for the players.
"The Premier League has not allowed us to postpone the first two games for our recovery," said Guardiola. "Thank you so much.
"I think the club asked the league to postpone one or two or three weeks so we can have a holiday after the [Club] World Cup but it is absolutely not allowed. The Premier League say yes to us? No. Absolutely not."
However, after talking to officials at City and the Premier League, the BBC has learned there has been no formal request.
The Premier League has yet to confirm its start date for the 2025-26 campaign. However, if past seasons are any guide, the competition will begin on 9 or 16 August, with the Community Shield - which City have been involved in for six of the past seven seasons - played the week before.
City and Chelsea are involved in the Club World Cup next summer.
The BBC has learned there have been informal discussions, with Premier League officials saying the issue has been created by an expanded international calendar which they have no say over.
Guardiola is among a number of senior City staff who have concluded the outcome of those informal talks is that the current English champions will just have to get on with it.
In the Covid-affected 2020-21 campaign, City and Manchester United were allowed to start a week later than the rest of the Premier League as they both took part in the specially-created 'Super Eight' competitions at the end of the Champions League and Europa Leagues in the previous season.
That meant they did not finish the 2019-20 season until 15 and 16 August respectively, four weeks before the first games of the new season took place.
Wolves, who had played their last European game on 11 August, did play in the opening round of fixtures but their match at Sheffield United was moved to Monday, 14 September.
World governing body Fifa has told all clubs at the Club World Cup they must use their strongest available squads.
"They won't postpone these games so there will be a moment of 'what do we do?'" added Guardiola.
"I don't have an answer right now but we are going to take a decision with common sense."
BBC
Pep Guardiola wants Manchester City's first matches of next season to be postponed - but fears the Premier League are not interested in helping ease the burden on their players.
Guardiola said City had asked for the delay because of the club's involvement with the Club World Cup, but said the Premier League would not accept the request.
The final of the 32-team event is set for 13 July at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, creating a gap of either four or five weeks to the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Three of those weeks will be mandatory rest periods for the players.
"The Premier League has not allowed us to postpone the first two games for our recovery," said Guardiola. "Thank you so much.
"I think the club asked the league to postpone one or two or three weeks so we can have a holiday after the [Club] World Cup but it is absolutely not allowed. The Premier League say yes to us? No. Absolutely not."
However, after talking to officials at City and the Premier League, the BBC has learned there has been no formal request.
The Premier League has yet to confirm its start date for the 2025-26 campaign. However, if past seasons are any guide, the competition will begin on 9 or 16 August, with the Community Shield - which City have been involved in for six of the past seven seasons - played the week before.
City and Chelsea are involved in the Club World Cup next summer.
The BBC has learned there have been informal discussions, with Premier League officials saying the issue has been created by an expanded international calendar which they have no say over.
Guardiola is among a number of senior City staff who have concluded the outcome of those informal talks is that the current English champions will just have to get on with it.
In the Covid-affected 2020-21 campaign, City and Manchester United were allowed to start a week later than the rest of the Premier League as they both took part in the specially-created 'Super Eight' competitions at the end of the Champions League and Europa Leagues in the previous season.
That meant they did not finish the 2019-20 season until 15 and 16 August respectively, four weeks before the first games of the new season took place.
Wolves, who had played their last European game on 11 August, did play in the opening round of fixtures but their match at Sheffield United was moved to Monday, 14 September.
World governing body Fifa has told all clubs at the Club World Cup they must use their strongest available squads.
"They won't postpone these games so there will be a moment of 'what do we do?'" added Guardiola.
"I don't have an answer right now but we are going to take a decision with common sense."
BBC
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Guardiola comes out fighting as Man City hit 'dark place'
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has come out fighting as he contemplates his side's worst sequence of results since 2018.
The 4-1 Champions League defeat by Sporting in Lisbon was City’s third loss in a row.
Only once during Guardiola’s reign have City lost three times in a row in a single season.
Although he rejected skipper Bernardo Silva’s post-match assertion that the club is currently in a "dark place", Guardiola also accepted after a defeat of this size, words are largely meaningless.
However, he is not backing away from the challenge.
"We knew it would be a tough season at the start," he said. "I like it. I love it. I want to face it and lift my players.
"I won’t give up, that’s for sure."
Few will have sympathy with City over their current injury issues.
Guardiola’s decision to hand a first start to FA Youth Cup-winning skipper Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, a day after his 19th birthday and less than a week after his senior debut, underlined the issues he is dealing with in central defence.
Neither John Stones nor Ruben Dias made the trip, while Nathan Ake remained on the substitutes bench throughout.
Rico Lewis played at right-back in the absence of skipper Kyle Walker and Kevin de Bruyne was only risked for the final six minutes.
Defensive midfielder Rodri is, of course, out for the season.
Guardiola says the current experience feels like his debut campaign in 2016-17, when City struggled for consistency and were fifth after a 4-0 defeat at Everton in January before embarking on a run of one loss in 17 league games, which eventually led them to finish in third spot.
"It happened in my first year," he said. "Sometimes it does.
"I have to try to find an explanation but sometimes it's just football so you have to accept it. Sport is that. Life is that. Sometimes we have bad moments but we face the reality.
"Everyone has to try to be better and we will find it. We are still alive in all competitions and we continue."
City have another tough away trip to Brighton on Saturday.
It is not entirely clear who Guardiola will have available but he will be desperate to avoid a fourth straight reverse.
For Silva, it is a tough time.
"It's difficult to find the reasons why what is happening to us now," he said. "In seven and a half seasons, I don't remember three in a row.
"We're in a dark place. Everything looks to be going the wrong way.
"The good thing is even though we lost three games we're in good positions in the Premier League and Champions League. We're still fighting for everything, but we need to do better. It's just not good enough at the minute."
City are second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool but four clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest and sixth in the expanded Champions League table.
However, they are likely to drop outside the top eight when the second set of matches in the fourth round of fixtures are played.
Nevertheless, at least they are competing, unlike Manchester United, which Guardiola pointed out when he was asked about the prospect of coming up against Ruben Amorim when he moves in at Old Trafford next week.
"Yes, he will be United manager and we will face him two times in the Premier League and maybe the FA Cup. In the Champions League it is not possible."
BBC
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has come out fighting as he contemplates his side's worst sequence of results since 2018.
The 4-1 Champions League defeat by Sporting in Lisbon was City’s third loss in a row.
Only once during Guardiola’s reign have City lost three times in a row in a single season.
Although he rejected skipper Bernardo Silva’s post-match assertion that the club is currently in a "dark place", Guardiola also accepted after a defeat of this size, words are largely meaningless.
However, he is not backing away from the challenge.
"We knew it would be a tough season at the start," he said. "I like it. I love it. I want to face it and lift my players.
"I won’t give up, that’s for sure."
Few will have sympathy with City over their current injury issues.
Guardiola’s decision to hand a first start to FA Youth Cup-winning skipper Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, a day after his 19th birthday and less than a week after his senior debut, underlined the issues he is dealing with in central defence.
Neither John Stones nor Ruben Dias made the trip, while Nathan Ake remained on the substitutes bench throughout.
Rico Lewis played at right-back in the absence of skipper Kyle Walker and Kevin de Bruyne was only risked for the final six minutes.
Defensive midfielder Rodri is, of course, out for the season.
Guardiola says the current experience feels like his debut campaign in 2016-17, when City struggled for consistency and were fifth after a 4-0 defeat at Everton in January before embarking on a run of one loss in 17 league games, which eventually led them to finish in third spot.
"It happened in my first year," he said. "Sometimes it does.
"I have to try to find an explanation but sometimes it's just football so you have to accept it. Sport is that. Life is that. Sometimes we have bad moments but we face the reality.
"Everyone has to try to be better and we will find it. We are still alive in all competitions and we continue."
City have another tough away trip to Brighton on Saturday.
It is not entirely clear who Guardiola will have available but he will be desperate to avoid a fourth straight reverse.
For Silva, it is a tough time.
"It's difficult to find the reasons why what is happening to us now," he said. "In seven and a half seasons, I don't remember three in a row.
"We're in a dark place. Everything looks to be going the wrong way.
"The good thing is even though we lost three games we're in good positions in the Premier League and Champions League. We're still fighting for everything, but we need to do better. It's just not good enough at the minute."
City are second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool but four clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest and sixth in the expanded Champions League table.
However, they are likely to drop outside the top eight when the second set of matches in the fourth round of fixtures are played.
Nevertheless, at least they are competing, unlike Manchester United, which Guardiola pointed out when he was asked about the prospect of coming up against Ruben Amorim when he moves in at Old Trafford next week.
"Yes, he will be United manager and we will face him two times in the Premier League and maybe the FA Cup. In the Champions League it is not possible."
BBC
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Guardiola unhappy with Grealish England call
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised Lee Carsley’s decision to pick Jack Grealish for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Grealish, 29, has not featured for City since their stoppage-time win at Wolves on 20 October, immediately after the previous international break.
In justifying his decision on Thursday, England's interim boss Carsley said Grealish had been training "for a couple of days" and would be assessed when he reported for duty.
However, Guardiola has already ruled the £100m former Aston Villa man out of the Premier League trip to Brighton on Saturday and questioned why Carsley had picked him.
“National teams always play in this period and I’m always pleased for players to go – when they are fit and they haven’t struggled for the past one, two, three or four weeks,” said Guardiola.
When it was pointed out Carsley had mentioned Grealish had returned to training, Guardiola countered: “In 17 days he didn’t train once. Today was the first training and he trained for 20 minutes. That is the reality.
“Yes, he was in the gym for a few minutes for the past two days but it’s a question for the manager from the UK (England) – I’m not involved.”
Guardiola said he had not spoken to Carsley about the situation and he was not aware of any conversation between the Football Association and City’s medical department.
He said he had asked Grealish about the situation and the player had told him he wanted to report.
“They can select who they want,” added Guardiola. “Jack has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and could not get his rhythm.”
Grealish has struggled for form this season despite returning to training early with a point to prove after being left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
So far, he has managed just two assists and has yet to score for his club.
Guardiola has been wrestling with a lengthy injury list, with Grealish’s England team-mates Kyle Walker and John Stones also having spells on the sidelines.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, playmaker Kevin de Bruyne is just returning after a period out of the side, while Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake have both been ruled out in recent weeks.
Guardiola heads into Saturday's game at Brighton looking to avoid suffering four successive defeats for the first time in his entire managerial career.
However, after away losses to Tottenham, Bournemouth and Sporting over the past 10 days, Guardiola confirmed he will not be going to Abu Dhabi during the forthcoming international break.
He has yet to commit his future to City beyond the end of the current campaign, when his existing contract is due to expire.
His last two extensions were both sealed in the November break - but that will not be happening this year.
“I have said many times, we won’t talk about it,” said Guardiola. “When it happens, it happens. We’re in touch regularly. What happens is always for the benefit of the club.”
BBC
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised Lee Carsley’s decision to pick Jack Grealish for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Grealish, 29, has not featured for City since their stoppage-time win at Wolves on 20 October, immediately after the previous international break.
In justifying his decision on Thursday, England's interim boss Carsley said Grealish had been training "for a couple of days" and would be assessed when he reported for duty.
However, Guardiola has already ruled the £100m former Aston Villa man out of the Premier League trip to Brighton on Saturday and questioned why Carsley had picked him.
“National teams always play in this period and I’m always pleased for players to go – when they are fit and they haven’t struggled for the past one, two, three or four weeks,” said Guardiola.
When it was pointed out Carsley had mentioned Grealish had returned to training, Guardiola countered: “In 17 days he didn’t train once. Today was the first training and he trained for 20 minutes. That is the reality.
“Yes, he was in the gym for a few minutes for the past two days but it’s a question for the manager from the UK (England) – I’m not involved.”
Guardiola said he had not spoken to Carsley about the situation and he was not aware of any conversation between the Football Association and City’s medical department.
He said he had asked Grealish about the situation and the player had told him he wanted to report.
“They can select who they want,” added Guardiola. “Jack has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and could not get his rhythm.”
Grealish has struggled for form this season despite returning to training early with a point to prove after being left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
So far, he has managed just two assists and has yet to score for his club.
Guardiola has been wrestling with a lengthy injury list, with Grealish’s England team-mates Kyle Walker and John Stones also having spells on the sidelines.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, playmaker Kevin de Bruyne is just returning after a period out of the side, while Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake have both been ruled out in recent weeks.
Guardiola heads into Saturday's game at Brighton looking to avoid suffering four successive defeats for the first time in his entire managerial career.
However, after away losses to Tottenham, Bournemouth and Sporting over the past 10 days, Guardiola confirmed he will not be going to Abu Dhabi during the forthcoming international break.
He has yet to commit his future to City beyond the end of the current campaign, when his existing contract is due to expire.
His last two extensions were both sealed in the November break - but that will not be happening this year.
“I have said many times, we won’t talk about it,” said Guardiola. “When it happens, it happens. We’re in touch regularly. What happens is always for the benefit of the club.”
BBC
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Jokes aside, it’s a good post to put out there
KingKhanWC
Test Captain
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You have to feel sorry for Pep, the man has won everything as a manager. He's seen as the best manager in the world but still has a huge passion to win. All teams go through a bad patch.
He now has an away trip to Anfield on Sunday, hope has some nails left.
He now has an away trip to Anfield on Sunday, hope has some nails left.
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Now I have to prove myself - Guardiola
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he wants to "prove" he can drag the club out of their current slump.
City head to Anfield on Sunday to face Liverpool off the back of losing five consecutive matches in all competitions and tossing away a 3-0 lead to draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Defeat on Merseyside would leave them 11 points adrift of Arne Slot's side in the Premier League table.
Guardiola says in the present situation it is "unrealistic" to look at longer term targets like the possibility of winning the league title.
Instead, he is focusing on his own contribution and the belief that, arguably, how he deals with the present situation is a greater test of his managerial abilities than the 18 trophies he has won at City.
"Of course it's not nice but what do you expect? That everything is red carpet? That everything is nice and easy?" he said.
"It's easy when you are [winning] 10, 12 games in a row, everyone is fit, everyone is in their prime and everyone is 26, 27, 28. When everything is going well, that is easy.
"I have to prove myself now."
To hear Guardiola speaking in such stark terms is as staggering as City's form.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is the unquestioned greatest coach of his generation. For some, he is the best of all time.
Yet listening to him address City's collapse in form was spellbinding and he even raised the spectre of what might happen if he is unable to halt the current downturn in fortunes.
"In long careers - nine, 10, 11 years - you live all the situations," he said.
"We lost five games, drew the last one when we should have won, but it happens in football sometimes.
"[I have to] accept it. No complaining, no blaming, no pointing. Don't run away from your responsibility. I have absolutely all on my shoulders. I have it and I want it.
"At this football club you have to win. If you don't, you will be in trouble. I know the people say 'why is Pep not in trouble, why is Pep not sacked?' I have this margin because of what we have done over the last eight years. The people rely on me.
"What's for sure is I want to stay. But the moment I feel I am not positive for the club another one will come."
It is just over a week since City confirmed Guardiola had signed a two-year contract extension to 2027.
He has no regrets over the deal and neither has the club after an unprecedented run of success since his arrival in 2016 that includes a record four successive top-flight titles and a historic Treble in 2023.
"In a decade of time, we have been here," he said. "Tell me which team around the world has been as consistent in 10 years... It doesn’t exist. Not in NBA, not in tennis, not in golf, not in any sports."
Guardiola must try to lift the confidence of his players, not just for the test against league leaders Liverpool, but for the challenges that come afterwards.
City have also slipped out of the top eight in the Champions League and are facing a February play-off to preserve their place in the competition if the situation does not change in their final three first-phase games.
"We will be back, I know that," he said. "I don't know when.
"In the situation we are in, it is not realistic to think about big targets. The situation is to think about the next game and what I can do to help the players.
"I don't want to run. I asked for this opportunity. I want to be there and rebuild the team in many aspects from now on until the end of the season and next season."
City are currently in second place in the Premier League table, with one point more than Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton.
Pep Guardiola: Manchester City boss says he has to prove himself amid poor form
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he wants to "prove" he can drag the club out of their current slump.
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Guardiola asks for chance to turn Man City form around
Pep Guardiola says he has asked the Manchester City hierarchy for a chance to turn the club's form around, but will leave if he fails to do so.
Guardiola is enduring the worst run of form in his managerial career, with City losing five successive matches in all competitions before conceding a three-goal lead to draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League in midweek.
His cause has not been helped by a number of injuries to key players including Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who will miss the rest of the season.
Guardiola has won 18 trophies since moving to Etihad Stadium in 2016, including six Premier League titles in seven years and the Champions League.
But the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, who recently signed a new two-year contract, says that provides no guarantee he will stay in the job if results fail to improve.
"I don't want to stay in the place if I feel like I'm a problem," he said. "I don't want to stay here just because the contract is there.
"My chairman knows it. I said to him, 'Give me the chance to try to come back', and especially when everybody comes back [from injury] and see what happens.
"After, if I'm not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, [the previous] nine years are dead.
"More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance.
"Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it."
Premier League champions City are fourth in the table and face leaders Liverpool on Sunday knowing defeat will mean they slip 11 points behind the Merseysiders.
Guardiola is unhappy at the club's position but is still confident the players can turn things around.
"I don't enjoy it at all, I don't like it," he said. "I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now.
"But I'm the same person who won four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.
"The people say, 'Yeah, it's the end of that.' Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end.
"What can you do? Cry for that? You don't stay long - many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for.
"Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?"
BBC
Pep Guardiola says he has asked the Manchester City hierarchy for a chance to turn the club's form around, but will leave if he fails to do so.
Guardiola is enduring the worst run of form in his managerial career, with City losing five successive matches in all competitions before conceding a three-goal lead to draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League in midweek.
His cause has not been helped by a number of injuries to key players including Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who will miss the rest of the season.
Guardiola has won 18 trophies since moving to Etihad Stadium in 2016, including six Premier League titles in seven years and the Champions League.
But the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, who recently signed a new two-year contract, says that provides no guarantee he will stay in the job if results fail to improve.
"I don't want to stay in the place if I feel like I'm a problem," he said. "I don't want to stay here just because the contract is there.
"My chairman knows it. I said to him, 'Give me the chance to try to come back', and especially when everybody comes back [from injury] and see what happens.
"After, if I'm not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, [the previous] nine years are dead.
"More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance.
"Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it."
Premier League champions City are fourth in the table and face leaders Liverpool on Sunday knowing defeat will mean they slip 11 points behind the Merseysiders.
Guardiola is unhappy at the club's position but is still confident the players can turn things around.
"I don't enjoy it at all, I don't like it," he said. "I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now.
"But I'm the same person who won four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.
"The people say, 'Yeah, it's the end of that.' Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end.
"What can you do? Cry for that? You don't stay long - many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for.
"Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?"
BBC
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Guardiola rejects De Bruyne rift rumours
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed talk of a rift with star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and says he is "desperate" to have the Belgian back to his best.
De Bruyne has only started four Premier League games in another campaign blighted by injury.
However, he has featured for just 72 minutes across five substitute appearances since returning from an eight-week absence with an abdominal issue last month.
There was just 12 minutes left at Anfield on Sunday when Guardiola introduced De Bruyne into the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool.
De Bruyne still had the visitors’ best chance, when he was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher.
In a discussion on Sky Sports after the game, pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville both questioned Guardiola’s use of De Bruyne in a run of six defeats and a draw in seven matches.
Carragher said: "Something is going on with De Bruyne. Something isn’t right between those two."
Neville agreed and said Guardiola’s treatment of the playmaker was "unusual, bizarre, strange".
Guardiola did not mention the pair directly but, before the Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest, said there was no issue with De Bruyne.
"People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin," he said. "Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? I don’t want Kevin to play? The guy who has the most talent in the final third. I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together?
"He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club. I’m desperate to have his best.
"But he’s been five months injured and two months injured. He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best."
De Bruyne was out from August to the beginning of January last season after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring issue that forced him to be replaced in the first half of the 2023 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan.
His contract expires next summer and De Bruyne has confirmed talks are yet to take place over an extension, as he prioritises his return to fitness.
"I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, at 26 or 27," said Guardiola. "He would love it too.
"But he is not 26 or 27 any more. He had injuries in the past, important and long ones, and he is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.
"It’s normal, it’s nature. He played a lot of games for 10 or 11 seasons.
"I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have."
BBC
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed talk of a rift with star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and says he is "desperate" to have the Belgian back to his best.
De Bruyne has only started four Premier League games in another campaign blighted by injury.
However, he has featured for just 72 minutes across five substitute appearances since returning from an eight-week absence with an abdominal issue last month.
There was just 12 minutes left at Anfield on Sunday when Guardiola introduced De Bruyne into the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool.
De Bruyne still had the visitors’ best chance, when he was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher.
In a discussion on Sky Sports after the game, pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville both questioned Guardiola’s use of De Bruyne in a run of six defeats and a draw in seven matches.
Carragher said: "Something is going on with De Bruyne. Something isn’t right between those two."
Neville agreed and said Guardiola’s treatment of the playmaker was "unusual, bizarre, strange".
Guardiola did not mention the pair directly but, before the Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest, said there was no issue with De Bruyne.
"People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin," he said. "Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? I don’t want Kevin to play? The guy who has the most talent in the final third. I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together?
"He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club. I’m desperate to have his best.
"But he’s been five months injured and two months injured. He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best."
De Bruyne was out from August to the beginning of January last season after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring issue that forced him to be replaced in the first half of the 2023 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan.
His contract expires next summer and De Bruyne has confirmed talks are yet to take place over an extension, as he prioritises his return to fitness.
"I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, at 26 or 27," said Guardiola. "He would love it too.
"But he is not 26 or 27 any more. He had injuries in the past, important and long ones, and he is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.
"It’s normal, it’s nature. He played a lot of games for 10 or 11 seasons.
"I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have."
BBC
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He's running out of energy
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