Pep Guardiola wants players to feel pressure from Man City fans in derby

Pep Guardiola recognises this weekend’s derby towards Manchester United is greater than only a recreation for City fans.

Champions City host arch-rivals United in a headline Premier League conflict on the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

City supervisor Guardiola feels his facet will want to reply to the vitality in the stands.

He mentioned: “In these kind of games you don’t have to make extra emotion because it is what it is. The stadium will be full and they will support us.

“It is important we feel the pressure of them, and the opponents, and demand the best of ourselves. We need it. Otherwise, against these opponents, it is difficult to win.

“Always I want that they (the fans) are active. They come to enjoy it and be passionate. It is not just a football game.”

City have completed above United in every of the six seasons since Guardiola arrived in Manchester, however the derby file in that interval is extra evenly balanced.

In their 16 conferences in all competitions, City have gained eight occasions to United’s six, with two attracts.

With United now beginning to collect tempo after a tough begin to the season beneath new supervisor Erik ten Hag, Guardiola is anticipating one other robust encounter.

He mentioned: “Always, from our opponents, I anticipate the perfect – the standard they’ve, there isn’t a doubts about that.

“They include superb outcomes towards robust sides – successful at Southampton just isn’t straightforward, however particularly Liverpool and Arsenal at residence. (There is) good momentum for them.

“We have to do a perfect game. They punish you for nothing. They have quality in short spaces, up front they have mobility and speed, with physicality and quality in the middle, central defenders so aggressive, and good pace outside.

“It’s Manchester United. They’ve always been like that. At Old Trafford we have been better than at the Etihad in the last years but, at the same time, I’m looking forward to it and we are prepared to face them.”

City are with out John Stones after he suffered a hamstring damage on England obligation, however fellow centre-back Aymeric Laporte is nearing a return.