Patrice Evra and Dimitar Berbatov were part of the two Manchester United squads that were dominated by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals; the former United duo criticised Man City's lack of personalities after their Champions League exit to Real Madrid
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has hit back at criticism of his squad's character from Patrice Evra and Dimitar Berbatov by saying, "I didn’t see this personality when I destroyed them" in two Champions League finals.
Evra and Berbatov were part of the United squads which were outclassed by Guardiola's Barcelona in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, tasting defeat on both occasions.
After City crashed out of the Champions League semi-final at Real Madrid following a Rodrygo double inside a minute at the Bernabeu, Evra claimed they lacked leaders because Guardiola "can't train people with personality" and Berbatov suggested it was the capitulation of a "small team". City shrugged off the disappointment of the dramatic defeat in Madrid by scoring five goals in consecutive games against Wolves and Newcastle to leave themselves in a commanding position in the title race.
But the criticism from the former United players was still fresh in the mind of Guardiola when asked about City's recovery from that result and the character they have shown, as he unleashed a scathing response.
"It's the same character and personality that we lost in Madrid in the last two or three minutes," said Guardiola of his side's form in the Premier League since the trip to Spain.
"Former players like Berbatov, Clarence Seedorf and Patrice Evra and these types of people were there, and I played against them. I didn't see this kind of personality when I destroyed them, we destroyed them, in the Champions League final against United.
"It's the same character and personality. You cannot have personality because we conceded two goals in one minute when we have two chances to score?
"And after the last four games, we score 22 goals, and we have an incredible personality."
Nev: KDB response to CL exit has been wonderful
On the latest Gary Neville Podcast, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville spoke glowingly of Manchester City's response to their Champions League exit, picking out Kevin De Bruyne for individual praise.
"What Kevin De Bruyne did [at Wolves] was exceptional," Neville told the Gary Neville Podcast.
"It continues to be exceptional. The reaction of Kevin de Bruyne leaving the Champions League was wonderful, Man City went out of Europe in the most devastating fashion.
"I've been there where you have gone out in the type of way, and it's horrible, it really does have a big impact on you. The way in which they have reacted on the pitch is brilliant, and the way they have reacted off the pitch by signing Haaland is devastating.
"It's saying: 'we have recovered, we are taking it in our stride, and we are going again.' They have stepped ahead. Great club in a great moment, do business silently and at the right time and early.
"City have been a great club for the past five seasons. It looks like they are going to win four leagues. They have a big game on Sunday at West Ham. They still have a hiccup - it's whether that hiccup is going to be enough for Liverpool, that's the thing.
"That goal difference has extended more than what Liverpool would have liked even if City do lose. There is still something to play for, I don't think the league is over- but Kevin De Bruyne has responded brilliantly over these past two matches."
Late Laporte fitness test ahead of West Ham
Aymeric Laporte faces a late fitness test ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League trip to West Ham, live on Sky Sports, as Guardiola's centre-back injury crisis continues.
Laporte became the latest injury concern at the heart of the City defence after suffering a knee problem at Wolves on Wednesday, joining Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ruben Dias in the treatment room.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake, potentially City's only remaining recognised centre-back, and make-shift defender Fernandinho are both also struggling with injury.
"They are in treatment and we'll see tomorrow who is available. Until the day of the game we will not be able to decide the availability of the players," said Guardiola.
He said: "We need four points to be champions. Win at West Ham and it will be almost done."
Haaland's Man City release clause set at €150m+
Erling Haaland has a release clause in his Man City contract that can be triggered part-way through his five-year deal.
City agreed a deal to sign the striker for £51m from Borussia Dortmund earlier this week.
Sky Sports News understands that the clause is inmore than150m.
Man City are comfortable with the clause being included in the 21-year-old's deal given the size of the fee required to trigger any sale - which would be a club-record sale.