The boss believes last season’s Treble success was built on the relationship in central midfield between Rodrigo, John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne.
However, with De Bruyne and Stones injured for much of the campaign so far and Gundogan now at Barcelona, only Rodrigo has consistently featured in the middle of the park in 2023/24.
Ahead of Saturday’s 12:30 (UK) kick-off with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola was keen to reiterate that City will continue to play football in a similar style no matter who is in his starting XI.
City v Liverpool | Match preview
The Catalan also praised the current squad for helping us to top spot at this early stage of the season.
“The fundamentals are the same,” he insisted.
“Last season we played important part of the season with Rodri, John [Stones], Gundo[gan] and Kevin [De Bruyne]. This season we just have one player.
“The midfield has changed a little bit and players need to adjust something. These four, they can do it blindly. They know exactly what we need to do and be there.
“I’m really surprised in this situation that, because the core of the team is in the middle, we are where we are in Premier League and Champions League.
“So far we have been better than the other ones. Just today. We will see what happens in the future.”
Watch the second half of Pep’s press conference above...
City v Liverpool app coverage
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from one device.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 11:30 (UK).
We will have studio guests David James, Big Steve and Charlie Adam on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live.
To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Short highlights from the match will be available from 17:15 (UK), as well as extended highlights and a full-match replay* [*available on CITY+] can be accessed from midnight.
