Pep Guardiola reveals doubts over Kyle Walker’s future, says he ‘cannot’ play in Manchester City’s current system

Kyle Walker’s mysterious absence from the Manchester City starting XI in recent weeks has been explained by manager Pep Guardiola, in brutally honest fashion.

Explaining his preference for John Stones on the right side of defence in five of City’s last seven matches, Guardiola said “the reason why is tactical.”

Expanding on the point, Guardiola continued: “He (Walker) cannot do it. To play inside you have to make some educated movements.”

Guardiola was making reference to his tactical tweak of pushing Stones into midfield, alongside Rodri.

This has been the knock-on effect of the departure of Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko – both comfortable with this inverted role on the left side – and their replacement with Nathan Ake.

Guardiola referenced Ake specifically, as an example for Walker to follow.

He said: “Look at Nathan this season. Last season he didn’t play one minute and now he is undroppable. It happens.”

Continuing on the theme of Ake and dropped players, Guardiola offered a warning.

He said: “Nobody has a guarantee with me. They have to earn it and sometimes we need a different shape for the way we build up or defend. Some players adapt better than the other ones. They take it personally but we are not against them. We just need something and try to use it.”

Almost damning Walker with faint praise, Guardiola did offer a positive.

He said: “He has other characteristics. He will always have pace. He will be the fastest in this room at 60 years old.”

Walker has played for Manchester City since 2017. He joined the club from Tottenham for a reported transfer fee of £50M, making him the most expensive English defender of all time at that time.

During his time at City, Walker has been an important player, known for his speed, physicality, and attacking contribution.

He has won multiple major domestic trophies with the club, including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four League Cups. He has also won 75 England caps.

This weekend, City will make a return to Southampton, the same ground where they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup in January. They will have an opportunity to reduce the gap at the top to just five points behind Arsenal. The return of Erling Haaland from injury will be a boost for their cause.