"He Cannot Do It": Pep Guardiola Suggests Kyle Walker Is Not Tactically Capable Of Playing In Man City's New System

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why Kyle Walker's game time has been limited in recent weeks.

The England right-back has only started two of City's last seven matches.

John Stones has emerged as Guardiola's first-choice right-back in a new system.

The former Everton defender has been playing as an inverted full-back, meaning he often moves into central midfield areas, rather than pushing up on the wing, when City are in possession.

This has allowed Stones to support Spanish midfielder Rodri in the middle.

Guardiola does not think Walker is capable of performing the role to the same standard as Stones.

"He cannot do it," Guardiola told reporters this week. "To play inside you have to make some educated movements.

"He has other characteristics. He will always have pace. He will be the fastest in this room at 60 years old."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured (right) talking to Kyle Walker (left) during the 2022 Community Shield game against Liverpool

IMAGO/Sportimage/Paul Terry

Guardiola added: "The reason why is tactical. It's not because we lost faith in Kyle."

City tend to play with a four-man defense.

Nathan Ake has established himself as the main man at left-back and he often moves infield as City switch to having a back three when in possession, with Stones pushing forward.