Pep Guardiola has spoken out after Paul Pogba admitted that he wants Manchester City’s stars to get injured as Manchester United attempt to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table.
City looked set to lose for the first time in 2017/18 as Angelo Ogbonna broke the deadlock in the 44th minute of the side’s clash with West Ham on Sunday afternoon.
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However, goals from Nicolas Otamendi and David Silva after the break sealed yet another victory for Guardiola’s men and the manager addressed Pogba’s controversial comments from earlier this week.
United midfielder Pogba admitted to BBC Sport: ‘I hope – and it’s bad to say things like this – but I hope they will get some very important players injured like what happened with us.
‘So if that starts happening with them as well maybe we’ll get a little difference. A little touch that makes them weaker.’
Guardiola was asked about Pogba’s statement in the immediate aftermath of City’s victory over the Hammers.
‘Hopefully there are no injuries!’ he said in the lead-up to the Mancunian derby next week.
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‘I would like it if Paul could play against us, I like to face the teams with their best possible players.
‘I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to injure our players.’
MORE: Pep Guardiola reveals main concern about facing Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United after West Ham win
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