)
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed defender Kyle Walker is out of the starting lineup because he cannot play in the current system
Weeks of speculation regarding Kyle Walker's growing absence from the Manchester City lineup has been explained by his manager, Pep Guardiola.
Walker has started just two of City's last six games and has been left out of the starting XI in the last two.
Guardiola explains Walker's Man City absence
England international John Stones has been preferred to Walker as the person to take on the role of stepping into midfield to partner Rodri when City are in possession.
A task Guardiola clearly believes Walker is incapable of carrying out at a high level.
Explaining his decision to leave Walker out of the team for recent games, Guardiola said "the reason why is tactical."
Pressed for further explanation, Guardiola continued:
"He (Walker) cannot do it. To play inside you have to make some educated movements.
"He doesn’t have every one of the characteristics. 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 reveals secrets to never getting sacked as a manager
Walker must fight for his place
Guardiola stressed the fact that all players must earn the right to play and no one has an automatic starting shirt.
)
"Nobody has a guarantee with me. They have to earn it and sometimes we need a different shape for the way we build up or defend. Some players adapt better than other ones. They take it personally but we are not against them. We just need something and try to use it."
Walker joined Manchester City in 2017, swapping London for Manchester as he left Tottenham for a reported transfer fee of £50M, making him the most expensive English defender at that time.
)
He has gone on to establish himself as one of the most reliable right-backs in the world, winning multiple major domestic trophies with the club, including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four League Cups.
Related content
)
23:58 - 07.04.2023
Guardiola confirms stars' return for Southampton
Pep Guardiola has said that Haaland is expected to return against Southampton
)
19:30 - 07.04.2023
FOOTBALL Manchester City's title charge receives boost with Haaland readiness
The striker was not available for the Citizens in their last match against Liverpool.
)
16:05 - 07.04.2023
Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in a potentially action-packed Premier League weekend
Arsenal aim to banish Anfield demons, Frank Lampard gets a fresh start, the relegation battle is tougher than ever and Manchester City fight on.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)