The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has expressed hope that Raheem Sterling won’t perform exceptionally well for Arsenal in their upcoming match on Sunday.
Sterling, who joined Arsenal on a season-long loan deal, is expected to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, his former club, in the highly anticipated clash that will kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 22.
Ahead of the game, Pep Guardiola said: “For all the players who behaved unbelievably, in this club, who helped us to be who we are and where we are.
“We could not have done the first years of my tenure in our time here without Raheem.
“I would prefer he didn’t play well on Sunday, but I wish him all the best.”
Pep Guardiola also acknowledged Arsenal’s strengths, noting that the team has taller players and quicker defensive transitions than Manchester City.
He anticipates a competitive match similar to last season’s goalless draw and emphasizes the challenges posed by Arsenal’s defensive transitions and set-piece abilities.
He said: “I expect the game to be similar [to last season].
“To score goals, you can score from many different aspects. From set-pieces, it’s not easy, but they are so tall, taller than us.
“In the transitions, their defensive transitions are quicker than our offensive transitions.
“When we can set them back, they accumulate a lot of players, the strikers go to holding midfielders.”
Additionally, Pep Guardiola praised Arsenal’s continuous improvement, acknowledging the team’s strengthened squad and the addition of top-quality players during the summer.
The Spanish tactician recognized Arsenal’s growth as a team and expressed anticipation for the upcoming game.
“Every season they are stronger. The depth of the squad, they add more top-quality players”, Pep Guardiola said.
“Every season they are better and better. You can ask him what they’ve improved particularly, I will be accused of playing mind games if I say!
“Everybody knows they have grown as a team year-on-year. Previous years have been close, but we are still strong and looking forward to the game.”