Soccer

Pep Guardiola urges City to add hard edge on trip to Anfield

Champions have won just once away to Liverpool in last seven games

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City contract concludes at the season's end. File photograph: Getty Images
Jamie Jackson
Fri Oct 14 2022 - 19:07

Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City not to be “soft” against Liverpool on Sunday, as they were when losing July’s Community Shield and last season’s FA Cup semi-final to Jürgen Klopp’s team.

The champions travel to Anfield in second place, 13 points ahead of Liverpool, but Guardiola insists City cannot afford to lose their edge in a similar way to their past two meetings at neutral grounds. During Guardiola’s six years in charge City’ s record at Liverpool’s stadium is lost four, drawn two, won one.

“I always had the feeling in Anfield that we behaved really well,” Guardiola said. “Maybe in the last two games we were a little bit soft, in different circumstances, but you have to behave at the top, top level. But in Anfield, win or lose, we always behaved with a huge personality.

“It is one of the biggest and nicest [venues], it’s a joy to be there and be a part of this type of game — it’s important but it’s a football game. With Liverpool what is important is the quality they have. You have to win duels. When they push you, you have to push, you have to be there. The semi-final in the FA Cup was tough and in the Community Shield we were not ready. They were one base higher; you cannot do that against this team.”

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Erling Haaland is expected to start after being rested for Wednesday’s goalless draw at Copenhagen. Norway have not qualified for the World Cup so the striker will be given a holiday then.

“I don’t know the plan [exactly],” said Guardiola. “Maybe 10 days or two weeks we’ll be off and he can go on holidays with family and come back two weeks to reignite our rhythm. I am sure he would prefer to go to the World Cup but unfortunately, he cannot, so he can focus on his club.”

Guardiola’s contract finishes at the end of the season. The 52-year-old was asked whether he would like his future resolved before the World Cup. “I don’t know. As you know now, I’m not thinking for one second about that. We have two or three weeks, I think, before the World Cup. This is the most important thing. We’ll have time after to talk.”

Foden extends contract

One contract situation was resolved with Phil Foden signing a new deal at the club until 2027, with the 22-year-old describing this as a “dream come true”.

Foden’s previous terms expired in 2024 and the club moved to secure for the long term a player who is a first-choice under Guardiola and viewed as Kevin De Bruyne’s successor as the side’s fulcrum.

Foden said: “It’s an extremely proud moment for me and my family. Obviously being a massive City fan myself and coming through the academy, to extend my stay here is all I’ve ever dreamed of.”

Of Guardiola’s management, he said: “Amazing. Unbelievable. I think he’s made me 10 times the player I was. He’s improved all aspects of my game and I’m just thankful to have him here.”