Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola affirmed that club captain Kyle Walker will retain his position despite recent reports about his private life, emphasizing that the decision rests with the team.
The England defender publicly apologized to his family for an extra-marital affair on Monday.
Walker, voted captain by his teammates after Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona, has contributed significantly to City’s success since joining in 2017, winning 14 major trophies, including five Premier League titles.
In addition to addressing the captaincy situation, Guardiola provided an update on striker Erling Haaland, expressing optimism about his return against Burnley on Wednesday after an eight-week absence due to a foot injury.
Originally believed to be a one-month recovery, further tests revealed a minor fracture sustained during the Aston Villa match on December 6, 2023.
Haaland, currently tied with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as the Premier League’s top scorer with 14 goals in 15 appearances, holds a crucial role in City’s pursuit of a fourth successive league title.
Guardiola’s aspirations extend beyond domestic success, aiming to secure City’s sixth league title under his management and equalizing the record of George Ramsay and Bob Paisley.
With Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, Guardiola is set to become the longest-serving current top-flight manager, further solidifying his position in English football.
