Pep Guardiola’s recent statement about his preferred style of play for full-backs has cast doubt on Kyle Walker’s future at Manchester City.
The Spanish manager has favored John Stones over the 32-year-old Walker for the right-back position, as evidenced by the fact that he has only been given the starting nod in two of the team’s last seven games.
Guardiola prefers to implement a system where his full-backs play in an inverted style, with the ability to join the midfield as seen in Stones’ performance during last week’s victory against Liverpool.
Walker lost his position due to Guardiola’s tactical changes
The Catalan coach spoke candidly about the reason for leaving Walker who recently got into trouble in a bar, out in recent games during his pre-match interview before City’s Premier League trip to Southampton.
Pep said: “[Walker] cannot do it. To play inside, you have to make some educated movements.
“He has other characteristics. Walker will always have pace. He will be the fastest in this room at 60 years old.”
“The reason why is tactical. It’s not because we lost faith in Kyle.
“He can play coming inside, and he has done it many times, but like in the position [against] Liverpool with Rodri and John, he will maybe need time to do it, and we don’t have time.”
The former Barcelona manager has other offer for Walker. He added: “What they have to do is two things. Don’t complain or there will be a problem. And try to do it better and better, so when I need them, they will be ready.
“Look at Nathan [Ake] this season. Last season, he didn’t play one minute, and now he is undroppable. It happens.
“Nobody has a guarantee with me. They have to earn it, and sometimes we need a different shape for the way we build up or defend. Some players adapt better than the other ones.
“They take it personally, but we are not against them. We just need something and try to use it.”
