Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, stated that he left defender Kyle Walker on the bench for their last two Premier League games because he cannot play in an inverted full back role in his system.
Despite making 23 appearances in all competitions this season and being an integral part of City’s defence, Guardiola opted for John Stones at right back in their 4-1 home win over Liverpool and 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.
Guardiola commended Walker’s pace but pointed out that he lacks the characteristics required to play in an inverted role, where full backs move inside into central spaces to dominate possession.
“He cannot do it,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday (Apr 7). “He will always have pace; Kyle at 60 years old will be the fastest player in this room. To play inside you have to have 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.”
City travel to bottom club Southampton later on Saturday as they aim to close the gap on Arsenal at the top to five points.