Asked whether the 33-year-old would be in the starting XI, Guardiola told a pre-match news conference: “Yes”.
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“He’s fit but we don’t want to take too much risk because of what happened last season”.
“He’s one of the best players and, of course, the best players impact the way they arrive in the clubs with the talent immediately”.
“Despite that, with the game being played at Old Trafford, I just feel United have the edge over City”.
Two 2016-17 title contenders clash in the Manchester derby, yet more focus may be paid to the mangers on the sidelines.
“It’s going to be a very handsome game. If you want to be successful and win the game we have to be at the top of your form”. And a few instances he has seen of the manager suggests that he is a different person from the one at Chelsea last season. It’s safe to say that there is no love lost between the two managers and they will soon know what it means to be in charge of the Manchester clubs when this game is finished. “I always try to learn from all my colleagues and I learn from him as well”, Guardiola said of Mourinho.
“Some players need time to understand the league but the big players don’t”.
“It depends on the way we play”.
Manchester United face Manchester City in what has to be the biggest Manchester Derby in history on Saturday afternoon, with Jose Mourinho going head-to-head with Pep Guardiola for the 17th time.
“I’ve played in derby games in Germany but this should be a great match and one I’m really looking forward to, especially because Pep Guardiola is taking on Jose Mourinho”.
“It should be a special game and we can sense the expectation all around the city from our supporters”.
David Silva has been on fire in his past two games, scoring twice for Spain in their 2-0 victory over Belgium during the worldwide break and assisting Raheem Sterling’s goal in City’s 3-1 victory over West Ham in the Premier League.
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With it was the message: “Welcome to Manchester!”
