Guardiola won’t get an easy ride from Deulofeu and Everton

Forward Gerard Deulofeu credits former Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola for much of his development, but says there will be no room for sentiment ahead of this weekend’s reunion.

Guardiola began his decorated managerial career at Barcelona B with Deulofeu one of the club’s hottest prospects.

Both have long departed Catalonia but will come face to face at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday when Guardiola’s Manchester City entertain Deulofeu and Everton.

And while Deulofeu holds Guardiola in the highest esteem, he is in uncharitable mood.

The 22-year-old said: “He is a big manager but this weekend we need to take three points from him.

(Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

“When I had the chance to train with Guardiola, I was 17 or 18 years old. I was very young but I remember that after training, Pep would talk to me about things to improve my football.

“He would show me some actions and movements in defence because when I was 17 or 18 I would always think about attack.

“I was lucky to train with the best players in the world at Barcelona.

“They are good memories but now this moment is about Everton.

“It’s three, four, five years ago – it’s my past and now I need to think about my present and future.”