Guardiola Explains Why He Dropped Grealish For Manchester City vs derby

Guardiola explains why he dropped Grealish for Manchester city vs derby.

Pep Guardiola intended to play “a left foot in the left side and a right foot in the right side,” therefore Jack Grealish was left out of Manchester City’s starting XI at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting line-up after being among the substitutes in City’s midweek success over Club Brugge, with Grealish being left out of the City team to face Manchester United.

Bernardo Silva will start on the right, while Phil Foden will start on the left.

Ahead of the match, Guardiola said: “We want a left foot on the left side, a right foot on the right side, basically that is the reason why [Grealish is on the bench].

“This is not the first important game or derby game the players have played in their careers, nor the first time they are here. But it is important to be emotionally stable. The players are professional, they like playing football for this type of game, it is normal.”

Kyle Walker was cleared to play for City, but Ruben Dias began in place of the suspended Aymeric Laporte.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made three changes for the Manchester derby on Saturday.

Victor Lindelof returned from injury to play in a back three alongside Fred in lieu of the suspended Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood in place of Marcus Rashford.

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