Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola has often been pretty vocal in his pre-match press conferences over the years. The veteran manager has never been shy to answer any particular question asked of him. He has often termed his responses and opinions freely.
A bit of pressure mounts on Manchester City as fans expect them to deliver going into the all-important Manchester derby against rivals Manchester United. City got back to winning ways against Brighton. But, Pep Guardiola would know that the wounds created by their two back-to-back defeats against Wolves and Arsenal might still not be completely healed.
As per the reports, Pep was asked if current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could repeat the team’s past success. The 52-year-old answered the question by taking into context the most successful Manchester United manager so far. City’s manager recalled Sir Alex Ferguson and stated – “Maybe not in the way Sir Alex Ferguson controlled in those days”.
🚨🚨🎙️| Pep Guardiola asked if #mufc under Erik ten Hag could replicate their past success:
“Maybe not in the way that Sir Alex Ferguson controlled in those days because in that moment I think there were two or three teams. But now there are more with a lot of incredible… pic.twitter.com/MyAV9ehCeF
— centredevils. (@centredevils) October 28, 2023
The veteran manager also termed the reason behind his statement by hinting that in the past there were two or three teams. He further opined – “But now there are more (teams) with a lot of incredible managers”. So maybe not in that (Sir Alex’s) way”.
However, City’s manager further expressed that if the Red Devils make viable decisions with the same ideas, alongside their hierarchy, manager, players, and sports director, they might be able to resemble their past success.
Manchester City currently sits in the third spot in the 2023-2024 Premier League table with 21 points. On the other hand, Manchester United currently stands at the eighth position in the table with 15 points. City had won seven out of their nine matches. Comparingly, United had five wins in their first nine matches.
Erik ten Hag shares his thoughts ahead of the Manchester Derby
Manchester United’s manager Erik ten Hag hinted that their midfielder Casemiro is “racing against the clock” as he is not completely fit. The 53-year-old also revealed that right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back to the first team training.
The Red Devils manager was further inquired about Alejandro Garnacho’s situation, considering the possible ban scrutiny over the player in regards to one of his social media posts. Erik ten Hag replied by saying – “uh so not in this moment”. He stated that the club is in talks with the FA regarding the matter.
United’s boss further expressed that – “We are together, we are united”. He was then asked about the team’s confidence ahead of the upcoming Manchester derby. The 53-year-old stated – “We are back where we wanted to be”. He opined that Manchester City is a very tough team to beat, as they always find a path to win matches.
The manager seems confident that his team’s going in the “right direction”. However, Manchester United fans will hope that the team steps up their game against the reigning champions Manchester City. They would want their team to come out victorious with all three points.