Pep Guardiola Addresses Player Availability, Defensive Concerns, and Kyle Walker Abuse Ahead of Derby

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola addressed the media in advance of Sunday’s Premier League Manchester derby against Manchester United, scheduled for a 16:30 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: Guardiola commenced the press conference by commenting on the racist abuse experienced by captain Kyle Walker during the current week, stating: “It is not acceptable. Not just because it’s Kyle, but for any human being. Unfortunately, in this world it happens many times.” He remarked that the Manchester derby “is emotional for the fans” but advised that for players, “the less emotional you are the better”. Defender Manuel Akanji is suffering from a pelvis injury and, despite being described as “a strong and reliable player,” will be unavailable for Sunday’s match. Regarding the effect of match outcomes on him, Guardiola stated: “In our jobs we always want to do our best and when that doesn’t happen you are more uncomfortable. That is not just the managers but there is bigger scrutiny for the team. I’m fine. When I have more thoughts, it is about what we can do and what I feel right now is how I felt in he last month. Nothing has changed.” He indicated that the team needs to improve consistency, specifically “to shoot more and cut out the mistakes,” yet expressed satisfaction with their recent performance. Addressing potential team reinforcements during the January transfer window, he responded: “No. What I want is my players back. I would desperately love to compete with the squad we had at the beginning of the season. My regret is that we don’t we have these, not needing new ones.” He extended congratulations to the club for the financial accounts released on Friday, but clarified that it “doesn’t mean we have big, big resources to buy whatever we want, especially with how expensive the transfer market is”. Concerning the availability of only three defenders, he commented: “I don’t know what I have to do. Maybe some winger has to play as a full-back. We are thinking what to do.” He identified the football schedule as “the problem,” noting that his team “have more injuries than ever,” which has led him to consider the necessity of a larger squad, comprising 45 to 50 players, to manage the demands.