Guardiola continues to shield players

PEP Guardiola will almost never criticise his Manchester City players in public in one of many reasons why he carries so much respect with them.

- By SIMON BAJKOWSKI

What is said or done behind closed doors usually stays there and it is rare that he gives a glimpse behind the curtain.

In the last week, the City boss has insisted that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the level or confidence of Rico Lewis and Phil Foden despite their struggles.