Manchester City: Pep Guardiola set to rest players for the Manchester derby
Pep Guardiola will prioritize Man City’s champions league match over the Manchester derby. The Manchester City manager says he will “focus on the Champions League” when selecting his team to play on Saturday.
City go to Anfield in the first leg of the Champions League tie on Wednesday before hosting United three days later. The derby will take place at the Etihad in between the two legs of the Champions League tie against Liverpool.
Guardiola said., as quoted by BBC.com:
"“For the line-up we have to think about the Champions League. We are going to adapt in the game against United.“"
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Pep Guardiola has told his Manchester City players that he is willing to make significant changes for next Saturday’s Manchester derby. According to Goal, Guardiola is desperate to make the Champions League semi-finals this year.
The Spaniard wants to win the Liverpool tie despite the fact that they will win the Premier League if they beat United at the Etihad. However, Guardiola’s stance depends on the result at Anfield this week.
Speaking after Saturday’s win, Guardiola explained his position and prepared supporters for his decisions.
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"“Of course I want to win against United at home but we have three days before we have Liverpool, after we have three days before United and after we have three days before the second leg so few recovery days.” “You have to use all the squad but that doesn’t mean the guys who play are not going to prepare to win. If we are in the position we are now in the Premier League it is because everyone has made his own contribution. That is going to happen. But I am sorry, as a manager, now Liverpool will occupy all my head.”"
Guardiola admits United win would be “special”
However, Guardiola admitted that it would be special for the fans to clinch the title against their city rivals. Earlier this season City were involved in a row in the tunnel after their win at Old Trafford.
"“I am a Barcelona fan. If Real Madrid come and we are able to win the league it is special but it is not important. It is important to be champions. Now our focus is the Champions League.“"
The next 10 days will be a significant point in the season for Pep Guardiola’s men. They face Liverpool on Wednesday, United on Saturday and play Livepool at the Etihad on 10 April. Manchester City’s only chance of winning a treble will depend on their results over this period.