Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed Kyle Walker needs more ‘educated movements’ to play in his new system.
Though Man City have largely played a 4-3-3 formation under Guardiola, he has at times deployed a three-at-the-back this season, with the right-back tucking into midfield.
However, Walker has been overlooked in recent weeks, with John Stones or Rico Lewis often preferred to play that role.
Speaking ahead of Man City’s trip to Southampton on Saturday, Guardiola was asked about Walker’s suitability for that position.
“He cannot do it. He will always have pace; Kyle at 60 years old will be the fastest player in this room. To play inside you have to have educated movements – he doesn’t have every one of the characteristics,” Guardiola said.
“He has played as a full-back coming inside in the past with four at the back. He has done really well but this shape of three at the back and two in the middle, he cannot do it.”
Guardiola is renowned as one of football’s great innovators, always finding new ways to further the game and help his team.
Man City have fallen behind in the Premier League title race this season, but is that down to tinkering with formations? Let’s look at how their back-three systems compare to back four ones. (courtesy of Transfermarkt).
|
Formation |
Games |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Back-three |
11 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
72.3 |
|
Back-four |
33 |
23 |
5 |
5 |
69.7 |
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