“It was a joke” – Pep Guardiola addresses Manchester United comment ahead of derby

Pep Guardiola has admitted he was joking when saying he had ‘ridiculous’ plans for Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester United.

Ahead of the derby fixture, Pep told reporters: “I have a few ideas and thoughts, ridiculous ones, for the match against United.”

However, in his latest press conference when pressed on his previous comments, Guardiola backtracked. “It was a joke,” was his blunt reply.

The City manager is not one to shy away from making obscure tactical changes. He most recently used Kyler Walker as a centre-back against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. Their defeat, and subsequential exit from the competition, show that it doesn’t always come off for the Spanish head coach.

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Guardiola, instead, was clear in his message that he does not underestimate United ahead of the game despite winning comfortably last time the teams met. He believes that Erik ten Hag is building a solid foundation at Old Trafford.

“A lot,” replied Guardiola when asked if United have improved. “It’s normal, a new manager arrives and the improvement is clear. Not just results. I have the feeling every time at Old Trafford or the Etihad it’s been a difficult game.

“Always were attractive games, both teams want to try to do the game. A lot of quality players in both sides. Top-class managers. Will be a good game.

“With Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] they were close. What happens in the previous seasons, I don’t know what happens. It’s normal United are there. Still there, fighting. Nobody said they would be there, they are there because they have to be. It doesn’t surprise me. It’s why this competition is so difficult.”