James McAtee reveals Pep Guardiola’s key personal message prior to Sheffield United loan switch

On-loan Manchester City midfielder James McAtee has revealed what Pep Guardiola said to him prior to his season-long loan at Sheffield United in the Sky Bet Championship.

Sheffield United face Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley in April, however James McAtee and fellow City loanee Tommy Doyle, who scored the winner for the Blades in the quarter-finals, will be unavailable for selection due to rules preventing on-loan players from playing against their parent club.

McAtee has had a sensational first campaign playing regular senior football, making 35 appearances in all competitions for Paul Heckingbottom’s promotion chasing side.

The 20 year-old has been directly involved in eight goals for the Blades, as Sheffield United look to fend of increasing pressure from the likes of Middlesbrough and Luton Town and secure promotion back to the top-flight.

McAtee made six appearances for Manchester City last season, and in an interview with the Sheffield Star, has suggested that he could return to the Blues for the next campaign, as the Salford-born midfielder revealed what Pep Guardiola said him to ahead of his switch to Bramall Lane.

“The manager [Pep Guardiola] told me in pre-season that it would be hard to get past the five midfielders he has right now. So to go out and get some experience, then challenge for a place in his plans,” said McAtee.

The 20 year-old also recounted another discussion with the Catalan coach, revealing the “most valuable thing” Guardiola had ever told him.

“Probably the best thing, the most valuable thing, he ever told me was to always stay close to your family, friends and loved ones, because they are what really count.

“They are the ones, no matter what, who are always going to have your back. It can’t always just be football, football, football. Yes, you’ve got to dedicate yourself to it and I am. But you’ve also got to enjoy it, because otherwise you’ll never get the best out of yourself.

“You’ve also got to use it, he reminded me, to grow as a person. Every single one of us is different.”

McAtee has previously gained the nickname ‘The Salford Silva’ due to similarities between himself and City legend David Silva.

Silva was one of three players who have influenced his playing style, the 20 year-old told the Sheffield Star.

“David Silva was one of the people I really looked up to. When I was younger, and he was still at City, he was my idol.

“I’d love watching his movement and I really enjoyed watching Phil Foden there, coming through, as well. Jack Wilshere at Arsenal was another one, but Silva was the person I’d really try and learn from.

“I don’t want to be him. I want to be me. But how could you not learn from someone like that?”