Pep Guardiola explains Kyle Walker selection for Man City vs Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola says Kyle Walker is in the team to combat Vinicius Junior's pace as well as help the team.

Guardiola changed seven players for the Premier League win over Leeds at the weekend, citing tiredness among some key players. With Nathan Ake injured, one change vs Real Madrid was enforced as Manu Akanji plays at left-back and Walker comes back in. However, five other changes saw Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Rodri, John Stones and Ruben Dias return as City looked to establish a first-leg lead to take back to the Etihad in this Champions League semi-final.

Walker will have a tough job on his hands coming up against the rapid and skilful Vinicius, who is one of the in-form players in the world and was sublime in the Copa del Rey final triumph against Osasuna on the weekend. Walker is one of the few players capable of matching the Brazilian's speed and is set for a busy night.

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When asked by BT Sport if Walker was selected to deal with Vinicius' speed, Guardiola replied: "Definitely. But not just for that, he has to play as well, but of course in that level in the latter stages every team has a threat. We have a threat as well, hopefully we can use him more than them."

When then asked if playing the second leg back at the Etihad rather than the other way around like when they were eliminated a year ago, the managed replied: "I have nothing. [We need] to play two good games as much as possible to guarantee the chance to do that. Last season, over the two games we were not able to deliver for the final but every minute has to be played with a high level."

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