Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently spoke of his ambition to knock Man City ‘off their perch’. Pep Guardiola has welcomed the comments.
Ratcliffe said City’s 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League semi-finals was ‘the best quality of football I’ve ever seen’, as per BBC Sport.
🗣️"When Manchester City beat Real Madrid that was the best football I've ever seen."
🗣️"I want to knock them all off their perch."Hear Sir Jim's interview with @danroan in Total Sport right now.
👉https://t.co/1Nh3TqpLaw#MUFC #ManCity
— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) February 21, 2024
In response, Guardiola says such compliments are a source of pride.
“I just say thank you so much,” Guardiola said as per The Independent. “Sometimes they are more than the titles, the compliments of the personalities that make this country, like Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments. It is a complete honour for us.
“One can produce emotions and feelings for the players and our rivals. That helps to do our job. Thank you so much on behalf of all of us.
“But I am sure tomorrow they will try, one way or another, to inoculate the Man United players with the best performance to try to beat us.”
City go into the derby with an eye on the unfolding title race. They are on the hunt for a fourth consecutive Premier League title, with Liverpool and Arsenal appearing as the only contenders to push them all the way.
Although City go into the 192nd derby as favourites, Guardiola is wary of United’s threat.
He added: “Do you remember when United went to Anfield this season? Last season it was 7-0.
“Remember the comments? How many goal are Liverpool going to score? It would be easy for Liverpool.
“What was the result? Liverpool didn’t win.
“It is United. The past is the past. Tomorrow it is 11 players with pride, with a manager – we cannot deny how good he has done in the past in Amsterdam – trying to do his best.
“It will be a tough game, another final for us.
“In different situations, with City in the position of United, I know my players would behalf at old Trafford with pride and the best character. It is going to happen to United on Sunday.
“I will be a tough game, another final for us. I know how difficult it will be.
“It has been more difficult here than at Old Trafford in our period together. We lost more (derby) games here than Old Trafford. We have to perform really well to do it.”
Man City vs Manchester United stats
- No fixture in Premier League history has seen more away wins.
- City have won four of their past five Premier League meetings with United.
- Guardiola has won eight of his 15 Premier League meetings with the Reds.
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