‘I would be sacked’ — Guardiola uncertain ahead of Manchester derby

Pep Guardiola has played down any tactical obsession with Manchester United ahead of Saturday’s derby, admitting uncertainty over what to expect under new interim boss Michael Carrick.

Instead, the Manchester City manager delivered a typically blunt assessment of elite football, insisting results are the only reason he is still in the job.

Carrick will be in the dugout for his first Manchester derby after being handed the reins until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. United are winless in four matches and sit seventh in the Premier League, while City arrive at Old Trafford second, six points behind leaders Arsenal.

Despite City’s convincing 3-0 victory over United earlier in the campaign, Guardiola is wary of the unknown. With limited insight from Carrick’s previous spells as Middlesbrough manager and United caretaker, the City boss said preparation has been more inward-looking than usual.

“If you don’t have more info of the opponent, you focus on yourself and the players,” Guardiola explained. “You can have some ideas of what Middlesbrough has done, but tactics is about the players, and the players tomorrow are different. When you don’t have info, it’s better to focus on yourself.”

Since Guardiola arrived at City in 2016, United have gone through nine managers, a contrast he attributes purely to success on the pitch. Asked about his own longevity, the Spaniard was characteristically direct.

“Results, results,” he said. “If you don’t win, you are sacked. If we don’t win, I would be sacked. We won a lot, that’s why I am sitting here.”

That success includes six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League, though Guardiola admitted last season was a stern test after City finished third, well behind champions Liverpool. “Another club after last season I would not be here anymore,” he conceded, pointing to City’s patience as a reward for past achievements.

Guardiola’s task is complicated further by defensive injuries. “Without John, Ruben, Josko we are in a difficult situation,” he said, confirming Dias is close to returning while Gvardiol remains sidelined.

As City prepare for another derby showdown, Guardiola knows current form, not reputation, will decide his fate.