Live Premier League updates from the 4:30 PM BST kick-off.
Oleksandr Zinchenko shared insights into Pep Guardiola’s unconventional approach when preparing Manchester City to face Jürgen Klopp’s formidable Liverpool team at Anfield in February 2021. According to Zinchenko, Guardiola’s instructions during that week’s training were rather counterintuitive. “Guys, let’s start from the goal-kick; I want you to make at least three or four touches on the ball,” the manager reportedly told them. He contrasted this with the typical strategy of many visiting teams at Anfield, who often adopt a one or two-touch approach out of fear. Guardiola’s message was to play with courage and confidence, emphasizing the importance of demanding the ball and not shying away from dribbling past opponents when necessary. Zinchenko recalled Guardiola delivering a similar speech before they entered the pitch at Anfield, stressing bravery and playing their own style of football, as detailed in his autobiography, “Believe.”
While that particular match occurred during City’s record-breaking 21-game winning streak of that season, it also marked Guardiola’s first victory at Anfield. This context, Zinchenko suggests, bears resemblance to the upcoming title showdown at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday against Arsenal, highlighting the mental fortitude required for such pivotal encounters.
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Live Premier League updates from the 4:30 PM BST kick-off.
Oleksandr Zinchenko revealed how Pep Guardiola prepared Manchester City for the challenge of facing Jürgen Klopp’s dominant Liverpool side at Anfield in February 2021. Guardiola’s training instructions that week were, by his account, somewhat counterintuitive. “Guys, let’s start from the goal-kick; I want you to make at least three or four touches on the ball,” the manager instructed them. He explained that most teams visiting Anfield tend to be intimidated, opting for a one or two-touch game, fearing losing possession. Guardiola, however, urged his players to play with “big balls” at Anfield, to be bold, demand the ball, and to dribble past two or three players if needed, essentially to “play football.” Zinchenko recalled Guardiola reiterating this message before they walked out at Anfield, emphasizing the need to be brave and play their own game, as he recounts in his autobiography, “Believe.”
While that fixture was part of City’s remarkable 21-game winning streak that season, it also represented Guardiola’s maiden win at Anfield. This, Zinchenko implies, is not dissimilar to the high-stakes title clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday against Arsenal, emphasizing the psychological aspect of playing in such crucial matches.
