Pep Guardiola laments Manchester City’s frustration over Douglas Luiz exit

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed disappointment with the situation surrounding the transfer of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The 25-year-old is set to return to the Etihad Stadium this week as Manchester City hosts Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League match. Both clubs are in need of three points as they compete for the title and UEFA Champions League qualification.

Following a goalless draw against Arsenal, Manchester City now trails Liverpool by three points in the Premier League title race. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, are just three points ahead of 5th-placed Tottenham.

In the reverse fixture at Villa Park in December, Villa defeated Manchester City 1-0 with a second-half goal from Leon Bailey. This match marked Manchester City’s last defeat in any competitions. Douglas Luiz played a key role in this victory after moving to Villa from Manchester City in 2019.

Despite joining Manchester City in 2017 as a teenager, Luiz never made a first-team appearance for the club. This season, he has been instrumental for Aston Villa, contributing to 14 goals in 29 Premier League matches and providing four assists in eight UEFA Europa Conference League appearances.

Looking ahead to the upcoming match, Guardiola praised Luiz and indicated his frustration over the player’s departure from Manchester City due to work permit issues. Guardiola highlighted Luiz’s success at Villa and expressed satisfaction with his performance.

Manchester City has a strong record against Villa, having been unbeaten in 15 of their past 16 meetings. The streak was broken in the previous encounter this season, where Villa suffered a 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.