Pep Guardiola has backed his Manchester City players to deliver on the big stage as they take on a wounded Manchester United side.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goes into the 178th Manchester derby with questions over his suitability for a job he was confirmed for less than a month ago, with a 4-0 hammering at Everton the latest worry in a run of form that has seen them lose six out of eight games.
City are Pep Guardiola says Man City are no longer scared of playing Manchester United at Old Trafford but were upset by their city rivals last April when they blew a two-goal lead, and know that any slip on Wednesday could be the opportunity Liverpool need to clinch the title.
Guardiola said last week that he did not know how his players would react in their league game against Tottenham, having been knocked out of the Champions League by the same opponent in heartbreaking fashion days earlier.
But while the City coach is wary of taking on a United team that still has quality running through the side, he is confident that the players will not need to be told what they need to do tomorrow night apart from a bit of tactical information.
Pep Guardiola says Man City are no longer scared of playing Manchester United at Old Trafford
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“For one specific game [United] would be dangerous, I think they know," he said. "I know in the beginning how strong [United will] be in terms of intensity with the way they want to push and press to create a good atmosphere and we’ll have to handle it.
"We did it in the past, I don’t know about tomorrow but we’ll do it again. I like my team and I trust them a lot, it doesn’t matter what happens tomorrow, we have to do it. It will be details about what we have to do.
"Tomorrow we will adjust something about the game but I think the players know the importance and what we are looking for. Obviously you have to understand the situation. United players have lost the last game 4-0 and been told not good things about their performance. I know what would be our reaction. That’s what is going to happen tomorrow, we have to accept it but that’s the challenge."
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