'Kyle is an adult, I don't need to tell him how to behave'; Pep Guardiola talks about relationship he shares with Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday that defender Kyle Walker will be available for Saturday's English Premier League match against Crystal Palace, but he does not feel the need to act as a "father" figure for the England international.

"No, I spoke with him (Kyle Walker), but I do not have to remind him. We are adults. I am not a father (figure) or, I would say, I am a friend of him. I consider that to be seven years. I know, in the past, many things have happened. He and everyone can count on me in the personal issues. Everyone. So that is the important thing. I do not have to tell you, 'oh, you have to behave in that way'. Come on. He is (an) adult and old and that is all. But, of course, with Kyle and everyone, I am there and the club is there, all of the time, because everyone, you know, has to feel it. In this club, we try to... When we are here inside (with) everyone, I like to feel that they can count on us, in the good and bad moments."

Cheshire Police launched an investigation following allegations in a newspaper that  Walker indecently exposed himself in a bar.

Guardiola also lent his support to midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who has fallen a bit short of his own exceptionally high standards in recent matches, and said he is not bothered when Arsenal match City's results several hours later in what has become an increasingly heated Premier League title battle.