Guardiola: I want Kevin to attack | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says he has no intention of playing Kevin De Bruyne as a defensive midfielder.

The anchoring role - often referred to as a ‘No.6’ – sitting in front of the back four, has been a problematic position to fill for City since Rodri’s injury against Arsenal.

Several players have been utilised there this season, but it is a specialised task that carries a lot of defensive responsibility – and not one the boss will try KDB in.

“Kevin cannot play there,” said Guardiola.

“I’ve been nine years with him,  and I know his attributes better than anyone else.

“He can play in some positions and drop deeper when we want to do that, but Kevin has another talent, and we need his energy up front.

“He is unbelievable in the final third and I want him there, leading that position."

Pep was also asked what he made of Gary Neville ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie with Salford City.

Neville is one of the League Two side’s part owners –but the City boss was asked what he made of the ex-Manchester United skipper as a pundit and whether he ever watched or listened to his views.

Guardiola says he does, from time-to-time, and he respects the job Neville and others do, whether he agrees with what is said or otherwise.

“Sometimes yes of course,” he said.

“Sometimes when I see a game and after the post-match, I listen.

“It’s their job (to be occasionally controversial) - it’s normal [otherwise it’s] boring.

“I have no issue and usually I agree with what they say about the game.

“It’s not a big problem for me. I can agree or disagree - my job is here, theirs is there.

“A manager is paid for many reasons and what they say in good or bad moments.

“Last year they said good things, this season bad. It’s not a big problem as it’s everywhere.”

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