Guardiola Praises Walker Ahead Burnley Return

Manchester City have made a sluggish start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, collecting seven points from five games and sitting ninth as they prepare to host newly promoted Burnley at the Etihad on Saturday, Sept. 27. Pep Guardiola heaped praise on former City right‑back Kyle Walker—who went on loan to AC Milan in January before completing a summer move to Burnley—calling him 'one of the greatest full-backs ever' and crediting him with defining the club's right‑back role during an eight‑to‑ten year, trophy-filled spell that included six Premier League titles, a Champions League and multiple domestic cups. Guardiola said Walker’s difficult final season should not tarnish that legacy, predicted a warm reception from City fans on his return, and recalled Walker’s consistency, leadership and 319 appearances since joining from Tottenham in 2017. City go into the match off a 2-0 EFL Cup win over Huddersfield and a 1-1 Premier League draw at Arsenal, with Guardiola confirming Erling Haaland is fit to play. He also said Mateo Kovacic could be available after injury and praised youngster Savinho amid reports the club is moving to sign him to a long-term contract.