Kyle Walker reveals how Guardiola broke the news of his benching in Champions League final

Looking back at last season's CL final against Inter, Kyle Walker revealed that Pep Guardiola personally informed him the night before the match that he would be on the bench.

Walker appreciated Guardiola's approach, noting that it was better to know the decision in advance rather than finding out on matchday morning. This allowed Kyle Walker to handle the disappointment better and deliver a pre-match speech to his teammates in a better emotional state.

Speaking to reporters, Walker said, "It's not my decision, it's down to the manager and how we were playing at that moment he could have picked 16 of us. He has to pick 11. I was unfortunate not to make that."

"It's not a sole sport. I think about the team, I spoke before the team, and fingers crossed it worked. We got the job done and got our hands on the trophy."

"He pulled me the night before, it's the relationship we have. I say a massive thank you, to find out in the morning it would have been tough. I slept on it and then gave the speech."

"If he did it on the day I'd have been disappointed. The reason was for him to put the 11 on to best win the game. He felt that was the team to go and win."