10.4 C
Manchester
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Other SportsManchester derby is just another game, says City boss Guardiola

Manchester derby is just another game, says City boss Guardiola

Pep Guardiola says it’s too early in the season to class Sunday’s Manchester derby as anything more than just “another game”.

Guardiola’s Manchester City have made another impressive start to the Premier League season, despite uncharacteristic back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Arsenal, and sit second, two points adrift of leaders Tottenham.

United are a further six points back in eighth but Guardiola is still wary of the talent in Erik ten Hag’s squad.

He said: “They are always dangerous. It doesn’t matter the managers – and I have seen a few – they are always a tough opponent with the quality of the individual, the character, the momentum.

“They have the ability not to be on top and then just score goals. We know their quality, no doubt about that.”

Asked to rate United and the rest of City’s title challengers, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said nine games was not sufficient to make a proper analysis.

“It’s too early,” added Guardiola. “When you play just nine games, many things can happen from my experience. We have been behind in February and March and have been able to win at the end.

“All the time when you get the fixtures, United are a contender. Ask me the question with nine games left and I will say if they are contenders but late October it is not going to happen.”

Ten Hag said “all eyes will be on this game globally” but Guardiola was happy to play down the size of the occasion.

“Old Trafford is a special place and it is special for our fans,” he said.

“But it is just a football game, not like an FA Cup final or one of the last fixtures of the season where winning or losing can define winning the Premier League or not.

“There are still 87 points to play for so it is another game and we have to be focused on what we have to do to beat them.”

Check out our other sports stories here:
https://www.businessmanchester.co.uk/category/sport/

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.
Latest

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...