Pep Guardiola has nothing but respect for the rival team as they face Manchester United for the eagerly awaited derby. The Spanish football manager is aware that there are better teams than the one he is the head coach of. The 54-year-old former player is all praise for the Red Devils and their legendary past. But what about the current form? Guardiola believes his side is better than the opponents and is ready to face it all to see what happens at the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola speaks on Manchester United rivalry ahead of the derby
Guardiola, as per a report on the Tribuna website, stated the greatness of Manchester United and their legacy in English football. The former Bayern Munich manager, who has also famously coached FC Barcelona said:
"I've always thought that there are teams that can beat us.
The Spaniard, as per the aforementioned source, said:
“In the end, of course, we respect United. I have huge respect for their history and what they have done in the past. Their legacy in English football, world football. If they beat us, they beat us, and we'll see at the end of the season.”
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Guardiola stated that United might have beaten the 10-time Premier League champions in the past, but ever since the Spanish manager started coaching the Sky Blues, the team has been better. Guardiola, who led City to a domestic treble, their first Champions League final and their first Champions League title, said:
“In the last eight years, we won six Premier Leagues. So that's why, in the end, we were better. Since I arrived, we were better than them, always. With a huge amount of points."
Meanwhile, the Etihad Stadium is set to host the 197th Manchester derby with Guardiola’s worst start to any league season with three points. Guardiola, who is one of the two managers to win the continental treble twice, will be looking forward to regaining form with in-form Erling Haaland while United are ahead at the Premier League points table.