Friday 26 April 2019 14:40, UK
Pep Guardiola has explained why John Stones and Leroy Sane were left out of Manchester City's line-up for their victory over Manchester United on Wednesday.
Having started City's 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, England centre back Stones didn't even make the bench for the crucial derby clash.
Guardiola opted for the experience of Vincent Kompany alongside Aymeric Laporte, while Nicolas Otamendi was the sole central defender on the bench as City secured a victory that kept them on track to retain their Premier League title.
"It was a decision because of what I saw, because Nico was incredibly important in the last two months and in the last two-three games he didn't play," Guardiola said ahead of City's trip to Burnley on Sunday.
"I try to involve everybody. That's what I'm looking for, for who we need for one game. We need more specific qualities for one central defender and for the other one, and that is the reason why.
"When it's long balls I prefer for example Nico and Vinnie because they are so strong… but for example against Chelsea, who plays high up, John Stones is an incredible player to read those situations."
Sane, who came off the bench to seal victory with City's second goal at Old Trafford, has started just two of his side's last seven Premier League fixtures.
The winger has contributed an impressive 10 goals and 11 assists in 29 league appearances this campaign, but has often found himself benched due to the stunning form of Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva.
"When the teams play so high I need maybe Leroy there," Guardiola said.
"When the play deeper, David Silva between the pockets is an incredible player.
"It depends sometimes on what I see in the training sessions. Sometimes they are a little bit more happy, sometimes more down. There are many reasons but not for the quality of the players because I know them and I know always they compete well."
