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Rob DawsonReporter
Pep Guardiola said City of Manchester will have to be “perfect” if they win Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Manchester United have lost only two of their last eight visits to the Etihad Stadium, winning three of their last four, and Guardiola said he is wary of the threat posed by Erik ten Hag’s side.
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“We have to play a perfect match on Sunday, they will punish you in the small space,” Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday.
“We can’t be lazy. What you need to show is emotion, the game will give it to you.
“Decisions are made before you act. Stay calm and make the right decisions. When you’re nervous, it’s hard to make the right decisions.
“I always expect the best from our competitors. The quality they have has been unquestionable for many years.”
United recovered from two losses to start the season up to fifth in the table with four straight wins leading to Ten Hag being named Premier League manager of the month in September.
City, meanwhile, have started the campaign with five wins and two draws after their first seven games, but Guardiola says the derby atmosphere will lift his players to a higher level against United .
“Surname [United] came from a very good result against Southampton going is not easy and Arsenal stay at home, good motivation for them,” he added.
“It’s a big competition in the city and I’m going to try to find out what they’re going to do and what we can do to beat them. I’m looking forward to the game.
“Everybody coming to the pitch puts us under pressure, but the important thing is that I want them to be active, show their passion and demand the best of themselves.
“When you’re at the top, you have more opponents. When you’re in the middle, you have less. Big competitors make you better.”
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The city will not have John Stones against United behind defender received a hamstring injury play for England against Germany in Monday.
Kalvin Phillips also missing after shoulder surgery this week.
“[Stones] it won’t be four, five or six weeks [out]it will be less,” Guardiola said.
“I don’t know when he will be back, but I think maybe 10 days to two weeks.
“Hope [surgery] will solve the problem [with Phillips] and hopefully he’s ready and able to come back in time for the World Cup and after the World Cup, come back to us. “
