In the wake of his side’s 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the Champions League last night, Pep Guardiola was notably feisty with the media.
The press conference after the match understandably turned to the topic of the next fixture, which just so happens to be the Manchester derby, at Old Trafford.
The Spanish manager had just witnessed his side completely outclass a dangerous Brugge team, a result which takes City to the top of Group A following PSG’s draw with RB Leipzig.
Guardiola previously claimed that last night’s game was more important than the upcoming derby, but his stance changed in the aftermath of the 4-1 win.
The City boss told members of the media: “The people were taking the p*** for me saying today was more important than United – and it was. But now the most important game ever is Man Utd.”
Asked if he was concerned about the short turnaround prior to the game at 12.30pm on Saturday, Guardiola said: “No. If it was tomorrow we would play tomorrow.”
“The schedule is the schedule, sometimes we play Tuesday, sometimes Friday. Sometimes it is 12.30 or sometimes 5.30pm. I am pretty sure at 12.30 on Saturday we will be at Old Trafford.”
Guardiola’s intensity in the press conference caught the eye of several Twitter users, who noted how the 50-year-old’s absolute focus on the upcoming clash with United was bad news for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
As well as emphasising the importance of the derby, Guardiola also recognised how impressive his side were against Club Brugge.
City won thanks to goals in the second half from Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus – after a John Stones own goal had cancelled out Phil Foden’s opener.
“It was fully deserved. The second half was really good. They defended so deep and attacked the channels so it was not easy, but it was a good game and a good victory,” the former Barcelona manager added.
“It was important to take the six points against Brugge after our defeat in Paris. We need one more point to qualify, or three to be first, and we will try to do it.”
