“We need to improve in every game”: Pep Guardiola is eager for his Manchester City side to use derby clash to keep their pace in the hunt for more silverware
- Pep Guardiola believes the Manchester derby is crucial for City momentum
- City’s boss is eager to impress his team despite the fact that the title has been dropped
- Guardiola is also satisfied with the resilience shown after their European ban
- And after winning the Carabao Cup, City could also pick up two other trophies
Pep Guardiola sees the Manchester derby this weekend as crucial to maintaining the dynamics of his City side.
The champions have long accepted that they cannot defend their Premier League title this season, but their challenge on other fronts is still alive.
Last week City won the Carabao Cup for a third consecutive year and they also set their sights on retaining the FA Cup and winning the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola regards the Manchester derby as crucial to maintaining the momentum of his City side
They have already advanced to the quarter-finals of the first – and will face Newcastle later this month – while also on their way to reach the last eight of the last after beating Real Madrid with 2-1 in the first leg of their last 16 tie.
With City comfortably in second place in the Premier League, this weekend’s trip to Old Trafford seems to be more important to the hosts, but that does not diminish Guardiola’s appetite for the derby match.
The Manchester City boss said: ‘It’s always so nice. I think it’s great, both teams do that. They are always special.
‘Of course the situation is a little different this season because we are playing to improve, to finish second, not to win the title. It is important for them to qualify for the Champions League.
City will also focus on maintaining the FA Cup and eliminating the Champions League
‘We have to prepare for the next matches, especially the two’ finals’, against Madrid and Newcastle, and improve what we do.
“On Sheffield (Wednesday) there were times when we had trouble attacking smoothly.
“We need to improve in every game and it’s the best way to compete against the big teams like United in a derby.”
City has won their last five games in all competitions, a series that includes their memorable victory over the Bernabeu and the Carabao Cup final.
Guardiola praised the character of City after winning their last five games in all competitions
That comes under the cloud of the two-year European ban imposed on the club last month, but Guardiola is satisfied with the character and resilience shown.
He said: “I have often said the determination we have shown in the past, not only at these times of the past month, but the desire and dedication (is) in every game of the past year.
“I have no doubt how we will respond to problems we have during certain (times) during the year and what has happened to other issues.”
City doubts about Kevin De Bruyne, who sustained a shoulder injury in the final phase of the Carabao Cup final last weekend.
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