MANCHESTER CITY
Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of Manchester derby
Ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, Guardiola discussed the latest ongoings at the Premier League club.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday by signing a special book of condolence for the Manchester United and England great, who recently passed away at the age of 86.
Reigning European champions City won their third consecutive match in the Champions League in midweek, beating BSC Young Boys 3-1 in Switzerland, with a brace from Erling Haaland, and are now preparing for the short trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.
On celebrating the life of Sir Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford
Definitely. This is going to happen, definitely.
Thoughts on Manchester United
They are always dangerous. It doesn’t matter the managers – and I have seen a few – they are always a tough opponent with the quality of the individual, the character, the momentum. They have the ability not to be on top and then just score goals. We know their quality, no doubts about that.
On playing at Old Trafford
When I was at Barça and Bayern, when I travel to Old Trafford, always special. It’s a special place and here it is special for our fans. But at the end it is just a football game, not like an FA Cup final or one of the last fixtures of the season where winning or losing can define winning the PL or not. There are still 87 points to play so it is another game and we have to be focused on what we have to do to beat them.
The rivalry between Man City and Man United
It’s a good rivalry. No big issues happened in my eight seasons here. We’ve won games, lost games, the FA Cup final was special because we won.
On City banning two minors for offensive chanting towards Sir Bobby Charlton
They don’t represent us. Mike Summerbee going to Old Trafford to sign the book represents us. We have huge respect for Manchester United and especially the iconic figures like Sir Bobby Charlton. We prove it, losing or winning these years. Tomorrow will be part of our condolences for the family, Manchester United and English football. We will be there.