Pep Guardiola (51) isn’t exactly trying to dampen the impression of “overthinking” before big games.
Saturday afternoon everything is ready for the Manchester derby when the Azzurri go to Old Trafford.
Before that, Manchester City will face Southampton in the quarter-finals of the League Cup, but the team manager already has Saturday’s big match in mind.
– I hope to play against United with the average number of minutes in the players’ legs because I have a couple of ideas and thoughts – some completely ridiculous – against United, Guardiola said the day before the meeting with Southampton.
The Manchester City manager has repeatedly chosen surprising tactical moves in meetings with other great teams. Changing formations and surprising choices of player types in different positions are some of the keywords for Spanish.
In the Champions League quarter-final against Lyon in 2020 which was only one match due to covid, things went awry as he surprisingly set up the team in a 3–5–2 formation. City were caught on the break and were eliminated despite being heavy favourites.
Before the quarter-final match with Atlético in April, Guardiola was asked about his many antics and the specific example of Lyon. Then came a sarcastic reply.
– I think too much. I love to overthink and create idiotic tactics. Tonight I will take inspiration and have an incredible tactic. We will play with twelve players, Guardiola replied acidly.
With less than three days left between Wednesday’s League Cup quarter-final and Saturday’s derby, the Manchester City manager is likely to make the switch.
– I don’t have a clear formation against United. I have not seen their last games. I have to see how they play at home and see if they change anything,” Guardiola said ahead of Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Charlton on Tuesday night.
Manchester City won the match opposite Etihad 6-3. Erling Braut Haaland and Phil Foden each scored three goals for the Azzurri:
Premier League
- Champions League
- Europa League
- Relegation
