Pep Guardiola keeps faith with Manchester City players for decisive two months
Guardiola’s team are in contention for a treble
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pep Guardiola insists he will not change anything as Manchester City head into the decisive final two months of the season.
Guardiola’s team are in contention for a treble but, with Liverpool pushing them close in the Premier League and the other two competitions being knock-outs, there is little margin for error.
City were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Monday, allowing Liverpool to turn up the pressure and move to within a point at the top.
The manager trusts a lot with these players to try to win every competition.
But Guardiola is backing the players that put them in such a strong position in the first place, whether it ultimately proves successful or not.
The City boss said: “The manager trusts a lot with these players to try to win every competition, to try to be who we are, like we were at Southampton and Crystal Palace, even though we dropped points.
“We will try to do it and I want to do it with these guys. I would not change one single player to do things in these next two months – ahead of us – differently. We are going to try. Success? I don’t know.”
City, who drew 1-1 at Southampton in January, are back at St Mary’s for their FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Guardiola is expecting another tricky encounter but wants his players to stick to the philosophy that has served them so well in recent years.
He said: “No, nothing different – we have to do what we’ve done so far, get to the 18-yard box and score a goal. I would love that.
“It’s just the details. Southampton, with their shape and how they move differently to Crystal Palace, we will have to adapt but, as I said before, in the last two months they know every game is a final now.
“Be yourself, every player be yourself.”
Defender Ruben Dias is City’s only major absentee as he works his way back to fitness from a thigh injury.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments