Pep Guardiola Says The EFL Cup Derby Is Like A Final

 

Pep Guardiola is treating Manchester City's clash with Manchester United in the fourth round of the EFL Cup like a final. The City manager intends to rotate his squad at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, citing tiredness among some players after a run of five games without a win - which equals Guardiola's worst run as a coach.

But despite the likely changes in personnel, Guardiola insists he is not taking the derby lightly and admits City take on their rivals desperate for a victory.

He said: “I think everyone can believe this competition is not the big one but I am going to prepare to win the game. For the players who play, we'll be depending on them to make the best performance possible. It is a final. I don't understand my job if I play a game thinking another game is more important - this is the most important but at the same time I have to consider how the condition of the players is. Three days after it is West Brom, then Barcelona, and they are so important as well.”