As Sunday’s highly anticipated Premier League derby between Manchester City and Manchester United draws near, City manager Pep Guardiola stresses the importance of maintaining tactical discipline over succumbing to emotions. With City holding a commanding 15-point lead over United and boasting an unbeaten streak of 18 matches, Guardiola is keen on approaching the game with a level-headed mindset.
Reflecting on past experiences, Guardiola advises his team to remain calm and concentrate solely on tactical preparations rather than allowing emotions to overshadow their game plan. Despite the inevitable intensity of the derby atmosphere, Guardiola believes that focusing on strategic execution will be crucial in securing victory against their local rivals, who have only suffered a single defeat in 2024.
“This is the first derby since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner of United and said he wants to knock City ‘off their perch’ within three years,” Guardiola acknowledges. Despite Ratcliffe’s ambitious plans, Guardiola remains steadfast in his commitment to extending City’s dominance in English football for years to come.
United Boss Erik ten Hag Anticipates Competitive Encounter
Meanwhile, United boss Erik ten Hag expresses confidence in his team’s form and unity ahead of the clash with City. Acknowledging the significance of the upcoming fixture, ten Hag emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation and a cohesive team performance.
“Our form – we are also on a good run. The spirit is very good, we are united,” ten Hag affirms. As anticipation builds for the showdown, ten Hag highlights the eagerness of his players to deliver a compelling performance and rise to the occasion.
With both managers emphasizing the importance of tactical acumen and team unity, Sunday’s Manchester derby promises to be a fiercely contested battle. Football enthusiasts can tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live for full commentary on the match, with coverage beginning from Etihad Stadium at 12:00 GMT.
