Manchester City have ‘no chance’ vs Manchester United in Saturday’s Premier League derby if they repeat their performance against Southampton.
City were poor from start to finish in the Carabao Cup quarter-final loss at Southampton, giving the ball away poorly in the first half and conceding two goals after sloppy turnovers. The Blues failed to register a shot on target for the first time since 2018, and never looked like reaching another semi-final in a competition they have dominated in recent years.
Next up is a Premier League trip across town to Manchester United in the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag’s side resurgent since the World Cup and must pick themselves up from a humbling evening on the South Coast.
And Guardiola admitted that United will win the derby should his side repeat their mistakes against Southampton – something he put down to a general attitude among the squad rather than any specific players falling short.
Guardiola said: “A different competition, of course if we perform in this way we don’t have a chance. I know the moment they have. Many years they’re looking forward to stay in this position. We know exactly what to do to play better and we’re going to try to do it.”
Reflecting on City’s off-night, Guardiola explained how his side simply failed to match Southampton’s desire and that set the tone for a forgettable defeat.
He said: “The best team won. They were better. We had a bad night, they played good. We had a bad start. They performed well. We have to deserve it. I want to deserve it and today was not the case. Southampton deserve to be in the semi-final of this competition.
“It was a bad night. I know them quite well. We didn’t get close to what we are. After three days against Chelsea and today, the difference. Nothing to say. They were better, we congratulate them and accept it.
“Mainly these guys have done these years and three days ago vs Chelsea, we have to be prepared every single game when you play for Manchester City. Today we were not.”
source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk/
