- Marc Guehi on Man City vs Crystal Palace
- Ex-Eagles captain ‘grateful’ to South London outfit
- Pep Guardiola aware of ‘tough game’ in store
Manchester City defender Marc Guehi has given his thoughts on coming up against his former club, Crystal Palace, tonight (May 13th). The English centre-back will collide with the Eagles for the first time since leaving Selhurst Park.
Guehi left Palace in January and joined City in a £20m deal. He’s played a key role in helping Pep Guardiola’s side remain in the title picture.
The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest players in the South London outfit’s history. He captained Oliver Glasner’s team to the FA Cup last season and made 188 appearances during four and a half years with the club.
READ: Latest Crystal Palace news and updates
FOLLOW: Read Crystal Palace on Facebook, Instagram and X
‘A Lot of Significance’ – Guehi
Guehi will have to put aside his connection with Palace as he looks to help City close the gap on Arsenal. Guardiola’s Citizens are five points behind the Gunners with a game in hand.
The England international explained how he feels ahead of meeting his former employers. He said (via Manchester City’s official website):
“It’s nice. It’ll be nice to see old teammates and old staff members from the club that gave me so much. “I’m truly grateful to them and wouldn’t be here without them. It’s a game of a lot of significance for me.”
Guehi has made 17 appearances for City since making the move to the Etihad. He’s been an undisputed starter in Guardiola’s defence.
Palace have fared well despite Guehi’s exit, with Jaydee Canvot stepping up and forming a superb partnership with Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix. The latter two will be facing their former long-serving skipper in tonight’s meeting.
Guardiola on ‘Tough’ Palace
Guardiola will face Glasner for the final time ahead of the Austrian’s departure at the end of the season. The pair have collided five times, and the City boss has only tasted defeat once.
That came in last season’s FA Cup final at Wembley, ironically a day on which Guehi lifted his first major trophy. The Spanish tactician may well have been casting his eye on the English centre-back that day.
Guardiola alluded to the changes occurring at Selhurst Park, including Glasner’s departure. But he highlighted how tough the Eagles are to play against:
“It has always been tough games. Particularly under Roy Hodgson and now Oliver [Glasner]. They have a European final so maybe they have struggled a little bit in the Premier League.”
He added:
“But there have been a lot of changes – the Manager is leaving, which was announced a long time ago – and maybe they are not consistent, but the quality is there. They’re so professional, the team. Crystal Palace will play top against us.“
Glasner downplayed suggestions Palace will have a huge influence on the title race between Arsenal and City. But a win or draw at the Etihad would almost certainly ruin Guardiola’s hopes of catching the Gunners.
