Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby against United at Old Trafford.

The 198th meeting between the two rivals will see Guardiola’s side face Michael Carrick, who takes charge of United on an interim basis for the first time. It represents a daunting opening assignment for the former midfielder, particularly given City’s current form.

The reigning champions arrive in formidable shape, boasting a 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions. More concerning for United supporters is the fact City have not lost in their last nine Premier League outings, underlining the scale of the challenge awaiting the hosts.

Guardiola dismisses Guéhi speculation

Guardiola was quick to shut down questions surrounding reported interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, offering little insight despite reports suggesting an agreement has already been reached.

“I have nothing to say,” the City boss responded, before turning his attention to squad availability amid a mounting defensive injury list.

Providing an update on Nico González, Guardiola said: “We will see this afternoon in training.”

On Omar Marmoush’s return following AFCON duties with Egypt, he added: “When he finishes the game, the third-place play-off, he will travel back.”

Asked whether Oscar Bobb or John Stones could feature, Guardiola’s answer was brief: “No.”

‘Results are the only secret’

Guardiola, who has been in charge at the Etihad since 2016 and is now in his tenth season with the club, was also asked how he has managed to remain in the job longer than any other Premier League manager.

His response was typically blunt.

“Results, results. If you don’t win, you are sacked. If we don’t win, I would be sacked,” he said. “We won a lot, that’s why I am sitting here. There is no other secret.

“At another club after last season, I would not be here anymore. They are more patient maybe because of what we did in the past. We had three months that were really poor. The past was really good, so that’s why I am still here.”

Focus on City, not Carrick

Guardiola admitted he has limited insight into how Carrick will set up his United side, and suggested that uncertainty only reinforces the need to focus inward.

“When you don’t have more information about the opponent, you focus on yourself and the players,” he explained. “You can have some ideas from what Middlesbrough did or from Michael’s time at United, but tactics are about the players — and the players tomorrow are different.

“I don’t have a timeout after 10 minutes to tell them what Michael wants to do. When you don’t have information, it’s better to focus on yourself.

“We saw it recently against Chelsea with their new manager — the first half was completely different to the second. That’s why you have to focus on yourself.”

With City in strong form and United entering a new chapter under interim leadership, Sunday’s derby promises intrigue — even if Guardiola remains characteristically unmoved by the noise surrounding it.