Pep Guardiola has paid a warm and witty tribute to David Moyes ahead of Monday night’s massive Premier League clash at Everton.
Manchester City head to Merseyside knowing that three points would keep the pressure firmly on Arsenal in the title race. The Gunners face Fulham on Saturday evening and could extend their lead to six points before City even kick a ball.
The stakes? Scarcely higher.
Guardiola’s side have won six successive games in all competitions. They’re still in contention for a domestic treble. But first? They’ve got to get past one of English football’s most experienced operators.
‘SINCE HE WAS BORN, REALLY GOOD EVERYWHERE’
Speaking in his pre match press conference, Guardiola was full of admiration for Moyes. He delivered his tribute with the kind of deadpan warmth that’s become his trademark.
“David Moyes, since he was born, has been really good everywhere and still has the passion at his age to train, which is nice,” Guardiola said.
A genuine compliment dressed in gentle humour.
Moyes has managed in the Premier League for over two decades. Everton (first time), Manchester United, West Ham, and now Everton again. He’s one of the most dependable and tactically astute coaches of his generation.
His current Everton side? Well organised. Difficult to break down at home. Exactly the kind of opponent Guardiola warns his players not to underestimate.
‘THE OLD EVERTON STADIUM WAS SO COOL, SO BRITISH’
Monday night will be Manchester City’s first ever trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Goodison Park is no more.
But Guardiola hasn’t forgotten the old place.
“The old Everton stadium (Goodison Park) was so cool, so nice, so British , I loved to go there,” the Catalan added.
Nostalgia won’t win him three points, though.
WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR CITY?
Monday’s fixture sits within a punishing run that Guardiola has already called a “nightmare” schedule.
Trips to Everton and Bournemouth. A home game against Aston Villa on the final day. An FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley in between. It’s relentless.
Rodri, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol all remain injury concerns heading into the game. Guardiola confirmed all three are improving but improving and playing are two different things.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Arsenal are watching. The title race is entering its final, most critical phase.
City can afford nothing less than maximum points from Moyes and his side on Monday night, however much admiration Guardiola may have for the man in the opposite dugout.
Compliments are for press conferences. Points are for the table.
And Guardiola wants all three. No matter how nice Moyes has been since the day he was born.
