Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called for ‘confidence’ from his players as they prepare for this weekend’s huge Manchester derby meeting at the Etihad.
The Premier League champions host fierce rivals Manchester United on Saturday evening, looking to secure a positive result as they bid to close the gap to league leaders Liverpool.
Man City won both derby fixtures last season and will be spearheaded by forward Gabriel Jesus, the 22-year-old having scored twice in the midweek win at Burnley in the absence of the injured Sergio Aguero.
Guardiola has praised Jesus’ performance at Turf Moor and has called for confidence from the Brazilian ahead of this weekend’s clash, insisting his side must show belief as they bid to inflict further derby misery on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Speaking on Jesus, Guardiola told the gathered media at his pre-match press conference: “He has to be himself, we need his goals.
“That’s why we could win the last game. He has put the idea in his head that he can do it every game.
“It’s not just him, it’s all the players. Confidence has to be there in the heads, not because of good or bad performances, winning or losing games. There are some things that are undeniable – the mentality and how strong they are.
“They can control it, they don’t need the manager to speak to them. They have to believe they are good enough and show how good they are.
“All the time it’s there. If they score goals the confidence rises, if a keeper doesn’t concede goals the confidence rises. It’s there.”
City currently trail Liverpool by 11 points and sit third in the Premier League, whilst United climbed to sixth following their win over Tottenham on Wednesday night.
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