Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed caution ahead of the Manchester derby against rivals Manchester United, despite his side's dominant 3-0 victory in their last encounter in September. The derby, part of the 22nd round of the English premier league, sees United in a transitional phase after appointing Michael Carrick as interim manager earlier this week, following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. United enters the match without a win in their four recent games across all competitions and sits seventh in the league, six points behind second-placed City.

Guardiola highlighted unpredictability as a key concern. "When you do not have much information about the opponent, the best thing is to focus on yourself and your players", Guardiola stated. He added that while they could review Carrick's past coaching stints at Middlesbrough or his prior interim role at United, "tactics depend on the players, and tomorrow's lineup will be very different". The Spanish coach emphasized, "I cannot stop the game after 10 minutes to ask the players how Carrick wants to play. When there is not enough data, it is better to focus on ourselves".

Coach Pep Guardiola celebrates after Man City beat Newcastle 2-0 in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final on 13/1. *Reuters*.

Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City, which began in July 2016, stands in stark contrast to United's managerial instability. Since his arrival, United has had nine coaches, including interim appointments, while City has enjoyed consistent success and stability. "It is about results", Guardiola explained when asked about his long stay at City. "If you do not win, you get sacked. If I do not win, I also get sacked. We win a lot, which is why I am still here. There is no other secret".

Under Guardiola, Manchester City has secured six English premier league titles, two FA Cups, and one Champions League. However, the previous season (2024-2025) saw City finish without a trophy and in third place in the English premier league, experiencing periods of poor form. Guardiola acknowledged the club's patience: "With another club, perhaps after the 2024-2025 season I would not have been here. They are more patient, partly because of what we have done in the past. We had three months of playing very poorly, but the past was very good, which is why I am still in my position".

Despite Carrick being a new face in the opposing dugout, Guardiola expressed admiration for him as a player. Both men played as defensive midfielders, a role Guardiola believes often produces skilled coaches. "Perhaps center-backs and defensive midfielders, due to the nature of their positions, often have a better overall view of the game than players on the wings", the 54-year-old coach analyzed. "I am not saying wingers cannot read the game well, but it is a difference. All I can say is that Michael was an extraordinary player".

Hong Duy (according to Reuters, Mancity.com)