Michael Brown: Pep Guardiola always has something up his sleeve
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ByEurosport
Updated 24/02/2019 at 11:40 GMT
Ahead of Sunday’s showpiece, Carabao Cup on Quest expert and former Manchester City star Michael Brown chats Pep Guardiola having something up his sleeve, match-winners and whether Maurizio Sarri needs to change his system.
Brown: Guardiola always something up his sleeve
Image credit: Getty Images
Watch the Carabao Cup Highlights Show on Quest this Sunday at 9pm. Also available live and on demand at questod.co.uk and via the QuestOD app
Michael Brown on Manchester City’s season to date…
I think it was an incredible start but you’re looking to see if they can go unbeaten – there was a lot mentioned about that. They came up against Chelsea (2-0 loss earlier in the season) and Chelsea did well on the day. Yes, City were impressive but Chelsea did enough in the game so they’ve got that confidence.
Manchester City, after having that blip over Christmas, have come on very, very strong and have done well in all cup competitions. They are coming off a fantastic result with 10 men against Schalke, so they’ll be very confident after the last game but Chelsea will be dangerous for them.
On whether Sarri needs to change his system to beat City…
It’s very difficult to change the system. He’s come out and said Jorginho will always operate at the base of his midfield – that’s where everything goes through. He doesn’t see Kante as a holding midfielder around him. Could he go with a 4-3-2-1? I’m not sure he wants to change.
He’s adamant about his style and wants different personnel to improve the team.
On whether Pep will have something up his sleeve against Chelsea/how Manchester City will approach the game…
He (Pep Guardiola) will always have something - tactically he is very aware of what the opposition might bring and what the threat will be. He picks weaknesses in the opposition and Chelsea have a few at the moment.
Plus, Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne are coming to the fore now, and that’s without Sergio Aguero, who’s been on fire. They also have Leroy Sane coming off the bench – they’re very, very strong.
On the match winners for both sides…
Both sides are blessed with so much ability. Eden Hazard is wonderful to watch and a match winner. The key, though, is in the midfield – how do they (Chelsea) cope with it? What will N’Golo Kante and Jorginho bring? Will it be Ross Barkley? City have Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne, who I’m a huge fan of – he’s a very different player but very talented and dynamic.
On who will be walking up to the Royal Box to lift the trophy…
I think the score will be 3-1 to Manchester City. I cannot see Chelsea turning over Manchester City, especially the way they’re playing at the moment and after this week’s game.
Watch the Carabao Cup Highlights Show on Quest this Sunday at 9pm. Also available on demand at questod.co.uk and via the QuestOD app
Watch Sunday’s show here
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