Show ’em your head for heights
Pep orders City to prove they are still winners
PEP GUARDIOLA has ordered Manchester City to remind United and the rest of football of the winning mentality that secured the Treble.
The bitter rivals collide at Old Trafford tomorrow in what will be the first explosive derby clash of the campaign.
City head across town second place in the table and six points ahead of United.
But Guardiola insists the result is not crucial at this stage of the season and the Spaniard is more concerned with seeing how his stars handle the pressure of a high-octane occasion instead.
Last term City became the first side this century to win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in one season.
And boss Guardiola wants his players to prove to the rest they still have the hunger and desire to handle the heat of the biggest games. He said: “I want to see how our mentality is on Sunday at Old Trafford.
“We’ve won a lot but it’s not about winning now, when it comes to what is going to happen at the end.
“I want to see my team in big scenarios like it is. Show the right mentality, in the right way.”
Guardiola admits he has always relished taking his teams to Old Trafford and warned his players not to underestimate their opponents – in spite of United’s domestic struggles.
Guardiola added: “It’s a special place and it is special for our fans.
“There are still 87 points to play for, so it is another game and we have to be focused on what we have to do to beat them. They are always dangerous.
“They have the ability not to be on top and then just score goals. We know their quality, no doubts about that.”
United boss Erik ten Hag has told his goal-shy strikers to be more ruthless.
He said: “Pressing, we’re quite good. We have the most ball regains in the Premier League.
“But we don’t take advantage from our attacking transition moments and we should do because we have the players in our team who can do that.
“We’ve paid some attention to it and this has to grow, it has to progress, then games will become easier.”