Speaking ahead of City’s Champions League group game against Borussia Monchengladbach, Guardiola told reporters: “No”.
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Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba played like a “kid in the schoolyard” in the Manchester derby, according to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
And Guardiola reminded his in-form players there is still plenty of room for improvement, particularly when it comes to taking on elite opposition, at home and overseas.
However, the arrival of Mourinho saw concern grow over his short-term future with the Red Devils – with his new gaffer seemingly intent on starting veterans Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney in the opening fixtures of the season.
Mourinho also admitted that City, managed by his long-term rival Pep Guardiola, were the superior side, but took heart from United’s improvement in the second half. It’s their fault and it’s my fault because I’m the manager. He is mainly a No9 – if you want to play him in different positions, we need to work him, we need to improve him, but his big personality is there.
Guardiola will welcome Sergio Aguero back from a domestic suspension, but after a series of questionable decisions in the derby, much of the focus is likely to fall upon Claudio Bravo on his home debut.
“Bravo is so strong”, said the ex-Barcelona boss, echoing his post-match backing for the Chile worldwide from the weekend. He always seems to have time, he always seems to play the right pass. That’s what I tried to say after the game. “There were a few games where I made my mark in the Champions League, where I had never scored. I am pretty sure of that”.
“His job, when you are playing in a two in midfield, is to be disciplined, especially against Silva and De Bruyne”.
De Bruyne shone as Manuel Pellegrini’s side reached the Champions League semi-finals, but they fell short in the Premier League and only just pipped Manchester United to fourth spot.
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“I didn’t discover them”. I am enjoying the situation very, very much so I think we can both – me and the club – enjoy this professional relationship.
