The reigning champions will welcome our Manchester rivals to the Etihad on the back of what has been a tough run of recent results, with an injury-hit City having won one of our last 10 fixtures across all competitions.
It has made for a challenging period with the City boss having to select from a depleted squad.
But addressing the media at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Guardiola spoke with passion and pride as he both looked ahead to Sunday and reflected on seeking to help navigate a quick return to winning ways.
“The soul and spirit of this team is there,” Guardiola declared.
“I’m sad for the players because of the way they run and fight in the circumstances.
“And, of course, our fans maybe they’re sad [right now]. I understand it - we’re not used to it.
“I know and completely understand our fans may be sad. This group of players have made an era and done things no-one else has done.
“Broken records. I just call the supporters to be there until the end.
“This group of players, they will support them to the end because they deserve it.
“It’s unbelievable they do what they do in this circumstance to compete.
“In life you want to do your best and I want to do mine and when it doesn’t happen you’re more uncomfortable.
“Not just managers but especially the people under scrutiny for every step we do as a team.
“I’m the same, all humans… it’s the same, as a manager I’m more concerned for the responsibility with the people, players, the supporters who support the club, I want to do well.
“Sometimes in the bad moments and times, you have to keep working, the problem is the bad moment, not you, you are fine.
“You think more about what can you do. I feel the past few weeks what the situation is with the results… I’m really pleased for the way we played and have a certain authority in what I’ve done in my career that I know when we play good or not.
“We have to shoot more yeah, do less mistakes yeah - but the game is there.
“The rest of the games we were there. I know the reason why, that’s why you move forward, keep working, this is what we have to do.”
Given the number of injuries the squad has sustained this season with Rodri expected to be out for the season and Oscar Bobb also a long-term absentee, Guardiola was also asked about whether City had any plans to try and utilise the January transfer window.
“I want my players back that we have,” Guardiola stressed.
“I would like definitely to compete with the squad we had at the start of the season.
“I have said many times - this is the only regret I have - these players not new ones.
“In certain moments and the right moments we will see.
“But the fact that we have the revenue [announced today] for which I must congratulate the club and everyone involved, of course we must [also] be sustainable.
“That doesn’t mean we have big, big resources to buy whoever we want in the transfer market - especially with how expensive it is.”
