Pep Guardiola has revealed he feels sorry for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United ahead of the weekend's Manchester derby.
Whilst every derby is important this weekend's clash has the added context of the Premier League title race, with City sitting just one point behind Liverpool at the summit.
United head to the Etihad on the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham in the Premier League last week, but Ten Hag's men responded midweek with an important 1-0 at Forest in the FA Cup.
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Despite progressing to the FA Cup quarter-finals, United weren't particularly impressive at the City Ground and reports have emerged that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking at potential managerial alternatives ahead of next season.
Ahead of the match, Guardiola spoke about the situation at their neighbours and rather surprisingly admitted he feels sorry for Ten Hag given the heightened scrutiny of the modern game.
"I would say at big clubs you have to win and win. Not just United. You have to. But it's not easy for United to continue with the incredible success with Sir Alex," Guardiola admitted.
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"That is not easy. I can understand it. Before in England, big clubs had more patience, but today everyone has a lot of pressure."
Pep also gave an injury update on City winger Jack Grealish, who picked up another fresh injury last time out against Luton.
Grealish was handed a start by Guardiola but the former Aston Villa skipper was forced off with an injury and replaced by Jeremy Doku.
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Grealish was utterly devastated and required consolation from staff and players on the bench.
Speaking on Grealish's injury, Guardiola stated: "He will not be fit for this weekend. When he will come back, I don't know. We have alternatives. Setbacks in life are always there, it is how you overcome them.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Jack Grealish, Manchester City
Tom Jenkins