Guardiola Prepares for Manchester Derby with Goalkeeper Decisions
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that "everyone will be involved" this season as he considers his starting goalkeeper for the upcoming derby against Manchester United.
Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma joined City from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day, following the summer signings of James Trafford and Marcus Bettinelli, while Stefan Ortega remains in the squad.
The club sold long-time first-choice goalkeeper Ederson to Fenerbahce for £12.1 million, concluding a trophy-laden eight-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola paid tribute to the Brazilian, acknowledging his role in shaping a "special way" for the club during its most successful decade, but expressed a desire to explore "new experiences."
He also praised Ilkay Gundogan and Manuel Akanji, who joined Galatasaray and Inter Milan, respectively, for their significant contributions to the team's past successes. "It was unthinkable what we could have achieved without them," he added.
As Guardiola focuses on the future, he must decide whether to field £26 million signing Donnarumma directly against United or continue with Trafford, who has started the first three matches of the season.
"He is so tall, he is so huge," Guardiola said of the 26-year-old Donnarumma. "From all the keepers we want safe hands, confidence for the team, personality, and a strong presence. In crucial matches in the Champions League last season, at Villa Park, Anfield, and in many other games, he demonstrated his quality. He will concede goals, that is certain, but we will work together to manage that."
When asked about Trafford, the 22-year-old goalkeeper, Guardiola remarked, "He is a keeper for Manchester City. I can only play one goalkeeper, but the season is long, and everyone will be involved. They may not believe it, but they will be."
Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Altay Bayindir will start in goal on Sunday (kick-off at 16:30 BST), meaning that fellow deadline day signing Senne Lammens will not feature.
Donnarumma's Role Differs from Ederson's
The acquisition of Donnarumma appears to mark a shift away from the sweeper-keeper style that Ederson brought to the Premier League, revolutionizing goalkeeping with his ability to play the ball at his feet.
Ederson notably provided seven assists in the English top flight, more than any other goalkeeper, while there are concerns that Donnarumma may not be as comfortable with ball distribution.
Guardiola emphasized, "I always try to adapt to the quality of the players. I will not ask Gigi to do something that he is uncomfortable with. We are discussing one of the best distributors I have ever seen in Ederson. We did not sign Gigi to replicate what Ederson has done; he possesses different qualities."
Haaland's Impressive Form Ahead of Derby
Striker Erling Haaland enters the match after an astonishing performance, scoring five goals during Norway's 11-1 victory over Moldova in the recent World Cup qualifiers.
His goal in the defeat against Brighton prior to the international break increased his tally to 88 in just 100 Premier League appearances, making him the fastest player to reach that milestone.
Earlier, Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Alexander Isak as "maybe the best striker in the world" following the Swedish international's transfer to Anfield for a British record fee of £125 million. In response, Guardiola stated, "Erling is a little bit above. Isak is an exceptional player. If you ask what Erling is as a striker, he is at the top. Isak must be a top player for what they paid, of course. There are many opinions on who is the best, and that is perfectly fine. What I can say is that I would not trade Erling for anyone. He is an incredible player and a wonderful person, and I appreciate him greatly."
As City approaches the 197th Manchester derby, they are coming off two consecutive league defeats and currently sit in 13th place, while United is one point ahead in ninth. This marks the first time since 2020 that City has trailed their rivals heading into a Manchester derby.
Haaland commented, "We have lost two games in a row, and that is not acceptable. We need to find a solution and return to winning ways. We cannot afford to lose matches with so many strong teams in the league. It is the perfect opportunity to turn things around against United. We all need to perform at our best and get back on track, as our current form has not been good enough."