Pep Guardiola is obsessive, even more than even Marcelo Bielsa at times, the Spanish coach was “upset” over the fact that one of his players, Kyle Walker, is set to miss City’s second leg of the round of 16 UEFA Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon. The defender was issued a three-game ban after kicking Andre Silva in a 2-1 defeat to RB Leipzig in December back in group play.
Guardiola publicly stated that he has not forgiven the English defender’s reckless play, which now leaves the team without Walker until the second leg of the quarterfinals if City qualifies and without a proper defensive line as City has 3 other defenders out for this game.
With a 5-0 aggregate advantage over Sporting Lisbon the chances the Portuguese side get back into this one is remote, nonetheless Pep is hoping Walker has learned his lesson.
Pep Guardiola on Kyle Walker’s suspension
“(Walker) deserved it [the suspension], he deserved the three (games), he did a stupid thing,” Guardiola said in a press conference on Tuesday. “I’m not kind to Kyle for this kind of action. I’m still so angry with him. He knows it, it’s not necessary. He deserved it. The club appealed but I did not agree. Hopefully he learned”, the Spanish manager finished.
While Manchester City might seem shorthanded, they are still resting some players for this match, given their 5-0 lead, it looks doubtful Sporting Lisbon can mount a rally and City can rest a few legs as they prepare to look onward in the Champions League and continue their grip over first place in the Premier League.