Guardiola claims Club Brugge clash is ‘more important’ than the derby
Pep Guardiola has suggested that Manchester City’s clash with Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday is “more important” than this weekend’s Manchester derby.
The Premier League champions go into their midweek clash against Brugge after being beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace over the weekend.
Man City have two wins and a defeat from their first three group games in the Champions League. They currently sit second in Group A as they are a point and a place behind PSG.
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They beat Club Brugge 5-1 last time out and they host the Belgian side at The Etihad on Wednesday night.
This weekend, Man City travel to Old Trafford to face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United. As reported by BBC Sport, Guardiola said that his side’s game against Brugge is more important than the derby:
“It’s much more important this game than the United game.
“This game would be an incredible step forward to qualify for the Champions League last 16 and in the Premier League there are many games, here just six with three left.
“Not much and they are decisive the third and fourth games. The most important games and we need to take it seriously.”
He continued: “Of course. [Club Brugge] are going to adjust, the manager saw the [first] game. They will punish us and we have to get better. It will be a completely different game tomorrow.”
Guardiola added that Man City are playing at an “incredible level” at the moment:
“I think we’re playing at an incredible level, the way we’re playing in the last month and a half – I’d say one of the best moments in the time we’ve been here.
“The way we’re playing, obviously results is different but the process and the way we’re playing is very good.
“Football is a game when you win or lose. What concerns me is the way we play. The defeat on Saturday was tough, we know the calendar and how demanding it is. But we know what we have done, we want to finish good before international break at United.
“Every season is tougher. More contenders, more well prepared top managers. Only my concern is our standards as a team – not success and titles. From there we build something special.”
Guardiola also spoke on the “difficult news” that Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for three months with a heart issue:
“I sent a message to Sergio’s agent. It was difficult news for everyone and his family.
“We wish him a safe recovery, the time doesn’t matter. He is in very good hands, with doctors who will take care of him.
“If he comes back and it is possible to play again, good, but he needs to be careful and be safe for the rest of his life.”
