Pep Guardiola hailed Kyle Walker as one of the greatest right-backs ever and is certain that he will get a big reception from Manchester City fans when he returns to the Etihad Stadium with Burnley on Saturday. Walker helped City win six Premier League titles and the Champions League in a seven-and-a-half-year spell with the club, although he had a sour end to his time there.
AFPWalker transfer ushered in glorious City era
Many eyebrows were raised when City paid Tottenham £50m ($66m) to sign Walker in 2017, with Gary Lineker claiming at the time that the player was incapable of putting in successful crosses. Walker proved a massive success, though, helping City swoop to a Premier League record 100 points in his first season as they won the title, defending their crown in his second. Walker made 319 appearances for City and lifted a total of 18 trophies.
AdvertisementGuardiola: Walker's sour end does not taint legacy
Walker was named City captain in the summer of 2023 just after he signed a new contract to ward off interest from Bayern Munich. He skippered the club to a historic fourth consecutive league title but his next campaign was a harrowing ordeal and he left on loan for AC Milan after being dropped by Guardiola following a dramatic fall in his form and City's results. Guardiola referenced how it ended but said it should not change how Walker is viewed by City fans. He said: "Kyle, of course, the last season was tough for everyone, for him, all of us. But I don't judge one behaviour for a short period of time. He was unbelievable."
AFPGuardiola: I slept like a baby when Walker played
The City boss praised Walker's ability to stifle opposing forwards with his recovery pace and he said he felt relaxed going into matches knowing that his right-back would be able to take the sting out of most sides. "One of the greatest; in terms of consistency, no injuries, playing every single game, an incredible figure in the locker room," he said. "I slept like a baby knowing he was playing because of how he would control the opposition. In eight years, six Premier Leagues, Champions League, 18 titles, always being there in the good moments and bad moments."
Haaland is 'ready' despite injury scare
Guardiola revealed that he had no concern about Erling Haaland after his top scorer came off in last week's 1-1 draw with Arsenal with a back injury. The coach said Haaland "is ready" but clarified that Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush were still out. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic, however, could return against Burnley.
