Before Saturday’s clash among Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Ronald Koeman’s Everton both men share a little back story. Under the late Great Johann Cryuff at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola learned most of his tricks under Ronald Koeman.
Now, when Pep will face his old master for the first, it will be interesting to see who comes on top in the very Star Wars setting.
This is first top flight clash between Pep Guardiola and Ronald Koeman who were once teammates at Barcelona where they won 4 league titles and one European Cup.
Manchester City have had an amazing start to their season but they derailed a bit just before the international break as they drew to Celtic and then faced a loss by the hands of Spurs.
Koeman too has had a great start to his life at Everton, who currently sit 5th on the table, just 4 points behind the leaders City.
Ronald Koeman’s men have never had good time facing City in recent past, in last six matches they’ve lost 4 and drawn 2. At Etihad City are unbeaten in the last 5 clashes with Everton after losing each of the four before that.
Manchester City have conceded 5 goals in their last 2 games after having conceded just 6 in previous 10. Guardiola last lost consecutive matches in May 2015 with Bayern Munich, he lost 3 matches in a row.
Romelu Lukaku has been in inspiring form for Everton as he had bagged 5 goals so far this season for Everton, after having a draught of 11 games before that where he just scored 1 goal.
Everton have won 6 points so far this season from losing positions which is joint highest with their old foes Liverpool.
Manchester City will be without their Captain Vincent Kompany and their star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne who are suffering from injury and did some light training. Bacary Sagna could also be out for the game after suffering from a hamstring injury.
On the other hand, Everton will welcome Leighton Baines after 2 games which he missed due to hamstring strain. Toffee’s star striker Romelu Lukaku and Captain Phil Jagielka will also be back after recovering from their thigh problems.
Ronald Koeman in his press conference said, “I have all good memories of Pep. We have a really strong friendship. Sometimes we have time for dinner and to talk about football and to talk about life.
“When he was manager of Barcelona I saw the best Barcelona team in every aspect of football. Most of the other managers win titles but not with that way of football.
“It is impressive the way City play football. It’s difficult to defend against but we have had some good examples of teams getting a good result against City.”
The game has good setting to it and could set the mood up after a long international break.
