Guardiola Angry With England's National Team Manager About Kyle Walker's Injury

Pep Guardiola is upset with the England National Team Manager about Kyle Walker's injury (Instagram/@pepteam).

JAKARTA - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been furious at the England national team's interim coach, Lee Carsley for not informing Kyle Walker's injury.

Walker returns from duty to defend the Three Lions with a knee injury. This condition made the defender absent when Manchester City won over Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 on Sunday, October 21, 2024.

Guardiola has suggested that Lee Carsley have more contact with the club of player origin.

"Previously, when I was still a player, the manager of the national team called the club manager, but now no one is talking.

"For the first or second season with Gareth Southgate (of frequent communication), but no longer since."

"Sometimes Ronald Koeman (Dutch National Team Manager) is my friend. I know they don't want to get injured," Guardiola said at ESPN.

The Spanish manager is quite good at communicating with the national team. Just look at the similar incident last season involving John Stones.

Stones picked up an injury while playing in England's friendly against Belgium.

However, the absence of communication made Guardiola furious at that time. You see, Stone was only quite fit as a substitute against Arsenal after returning from his duties by the England national team.

In fact, the situation is precarious because Manchester City are fighting for the Premier League title with the Gunners. Fortunately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Not to mention The Citizens' schedule is quite difficult because they also have to face Real Madrid in the Champions League.

"I was never as angry at the time. I've never been this disappointed. It was a friendly game."

"We will play in the quarter-finals against (Real Madrid). He was injured again after a friendly. I don't like him," Guardiola said recalling last season's moments.

Meanwhile, Manchester City is preparing to face Sparta Prague on the third matchday of the 2024/2025 Champions League at the Etihad Stadium, Thursday, October 24, 2024, early morning WIB.

Guardiola was still upset about Walker earlier. You see, that situation made Manchester City a right-back crisis.

In addition, he also could not play Kevin De Bruyne who was still recovering from injury.

"Except for Rodri and Oscar (Bobb), the others are training and players who are not fully fit like Kevin are starting to improve."

"(De Bruyne's injury) is not a big deal, but he doesn't feel completely healthy and Kevin is no longer 22 years old."

"He has to be really fit to play football. If he doesn't feel comfortable, he can't show his potential. He's still not feeling well, so don't rush. He has to be (100 percent ready)," said Guardiola.