Manchester City duo Phil Foden and Jack Grealish still suffering after events at Old Trafford
Phil Foden and Jack Grealish “don’t feel good” almost a week after incidents marred Manchester City’s derby clash at Manchester United.
United supporters sang abusive chants about Foden’s mother, Claire Rowlands, during the dour 0-0 draw between the sides at Old Trafford last Sunday.
Foden responded at the time with sarcastic claps and a thumbs-up but Guardiola revealed the England international is still not over the incident.
Grealish was allegedly slapped after coming off the pitch with a man arrested by Greater Manchester Police.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s lunchtime game with Crystal Palace at the Etihad, Guardiola said: “He [they] doesn’t feel good, but move forward.”
Guardiola says we are “not on the right path”
Guardiola reiterated his concern over the incidents and believes it is a reflection on today’s society.
He added: “It’s happening everywhere. It’s a crazy world, right? Everything that happens all around the world, not just in sport, the issues. Nobody is away from that.
“It’s not about United, because United is beyond the person that doesn’t defend what United is, or what happens sometimes in our club. But it’s not a problem about a specific club, a specific department in world football, it happens everywhere.
“Just take a look around and you’ll realise that. I think we are not on the right path.”
Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid in midweek confirmed the the team finishing in fifth place in the Premier League will qualify for next season’s Champions League which is potentially good news for City given they go into the weekend in sixth.
Guardiola added: ”Well, it’s better to have five teams instead of four, for the situation that we have. But there are seven or eight contenders, so it will be until the last moment.”
PEP 💬 I’m happy with the way we [have] handled the situation where we are. The challenge is to qualify to be in the Champions League next season.
Tomorrow we have a team in incredible, top form in the last month or two months. It’s always difficult with Palace here. I admire… pic.twitter.com/Z9iYSYWLY2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 11, 2025
City’s walking wounded remain absent
City remain without a host of key players against Palace with Erling Haaland, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Rodri all sidelined.
It has been a disappointing season for City, as they looked to claim a fifth successive Premier League crown, but Guardiola remains happy with the efforts of his team given the problems they’ve had.
“They are still injured. It’s happened all season. We adapt. And you can see that the position you’re in is a disaster, and it could be worse,” said Guardiola.
“I’m really satisfied for the way we handled it, for the situations we have been, being who are are; having the chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. This is what we have to do, especially in our home games, away as well, but especially at home.
“Tomorrow we have a team in incredible, top form in the last month or two months. It’s always difficult with Palace here. I admire the manager and the way they play, the talent and physicality there are no doubts. But, we have to be optimistic to finish well this season.”
