'Can't Come Back Injured from a Friendly': Pep Guardiola Reflects on Moment That Left Him Fuming in Lead up to Historic Fourth PL Title on the Bounce

Manchester City take on Sparta Praha in their upcoming UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Group Stage fixture on Wednesday, and head coach Pep Guardiola will be without the services of English full-back Kyle Walker after the 34-year-old came back from International duty with an injury.

Guardiola, who led City to an unprecedented fourth PL title on the bounce, reflected on a similar scenario when Walker and compatriot John Stones came back with an injury from an International friendly amid City’s push for the crown last season.

“I never was so angry like that moment — never ever before was I so disappointed,” the Spaniard said reflecting on the previous season’s final stretch.

“It was a friendly game. We were playing in the quarterfinals against Madrid, and in the Premier League to win it. For a friendly game, two players came back injured,” he added.

“I didn’t like it at all,” he reiterated.

He cited an example from his playing day when the managers of the national side would speak to the clubs’ coaches about the players and their fitness statuses, which does not happen anymore the Spaniard pouted.

“Before when I was a football player, the manager of the national team called the managers from the clubs. Now nobody talks about how the players feel, how they are,” Guardiola revealed.

“I know they don’t want to get injured. And I always encourage them to go to the national team. It’s a pleasure. But when there is a friendly game, you cannot come back injured. I’m sorry,” the 53-year-old added.

City will also be devoid of the services of Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Oscar Bobb in the UCL clash, with the Belgium skipper De Bruyne closest to a return to the unit.

De Bruyne is back in training but the head coach said that he doesn’t want to take any risks with the 33-year-old playmaker citing his advancing age.

“It’s not a big issue but he doesn’t feel completely fine,” Guardiola said.

“Kevin is not 22 years old anymore, he has to be fit for his football. He has to be completely fit and he doesn’t feel comfortable so he cannot express his incredible potential at his best. He said to me, ‘I still don’t feel good.’ So take your time,” the City gaffer concluded.