Pep Guardiola delivers strong Southampton verdict and admits Manchester United concern

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that his players “didn’t deserve” to beat Southampton as he revealed his concern ahead of Saturday’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford.

An abject Manchester City crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, losing 2-0 to Southampton, who currently sit bottom of the Premier League table.

First half goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo proved fatal blows to the Blues’ League Cup hopes, as City crashed out of the competition for a second successive season.

Guardiola’s side failed to register a single shot on target at St Mary’s despite the introduction of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.

Wednesday’s loss isn’t the Premier League champions’ first disappointing display of the season, with City having recently drawn to Everton and lost to Brentford in the Premier League.

Post-match, Guardiola delivered a defiant reaction, accepting that his side “didn’t play good” and admitting his concern about Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford.

“If we perform in this way, we don’t have a chance,” said the Catalan.

United, who themselves progressed in Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, have won their last eight matches in all competitions.

The City manager also said: “The better team won. We didn’t play good, we didn’t play well in the beginning. There are many games you can start not good and overcome and we didn’t do it.

“When you are not prepared to play this game you arrive one inch late and don’t score a goal. When you are prepared you score the goal.

“Today was a bad night, the opponent was better so we have to congratulate them. To win games you have to deserve it and tonight we didn’t deserve it.”

After Saturday’s clash against United, City host Spurs at the Etihad Stadium as the Blues’ title credentials face a significant test.