With the Manchester derby looming and coming ever closer, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that rather than be relieved at the absence of Aguero, he actually more worried.
Aguero is serving a 3-game ban for violent conduct and will miss one of the most important games of the season. While it is a blow for Guardiola, he’s hardly helpless as he has Nigerian striker Iheanacho and Nolito and Raheem Sterling all of whom could play in the absence of the Argentinian.
Mourinho speaking ahead of the game said, “It changes things because it is more difficult. When Aguero is available we know that Aguero plays, we know their formation, we know their dynamics, we know there are no doubts that when a player like him is ready he plays,
“They have an amazing rich squad in options. Now Guardiola can have many decisions. One thing is if he decides to play with Iheanacho, another thing is if he decides to play with Sterling or if he plays with Silva as a fake No.9 between the lines, he has so many options.
“For us in the preparation for the game we have to go step by step, situation after situation because we try to reduce the unpredictability of the game for our players.
“We know they have so many options so that to try to do that job for the players it is difficult. I know it looks a bit of a contradiction but without Aguero it’s a more difficult situation. I am normal. I don’t think the players are thinking about the impressive TV numbers. For us it is a game. For me especially it is a game,” added Mourinho. “We are playing to try to win the title and when you are playing to try to win the title especially in the first phase of the season I don’t feel any match is more important. It is one more match.”
Mourinho continued “I know important a derby is for everyone. I have played derbies before but I want to be in emotional control outside of these feelings it is just a game against a very good opponent.
“They are a very good team. They were a very good team last season, two seasons ago, three and four seasons ago maybe since their new owners arrived at Man City.
“It is a very good squad and team and they have had very good managers, now they have a very good manager, They have very good players. “They are title contenders and you have to respect that.”
