MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola made it clear he isn’t judging Saints ahead of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup tie.

The St Mary’s side were embarrassed on their own turf by Leicester, losing 9-0, following a total capitulation.

However, Guardiola reckons that due to the professionalism of Saints’ players, they won’t let the defeat hamper tonight’s performance.

“It’s not easy of course but at the same time I think they are incredible professionals," explained the City chief.

"The manager will be sad for one night, one moment, but after that, they have to move forward. The players are professionals and will do their best.

"I am not going to judge Southampton or prepare for the games on that result against Leicester.

"It's a little bit strange, red card, first goal, then after that every time they arrive in the first minutes, goal, goal.

"Ten players against 11, against Leicester, you know the team Leicester are.”

City are currently six points behind Liverpool in their quest for a third consecutive Premier League title.

They swept newly-promoted Aston Villa aside at the weekend, winning 3-0 thanks to another exceptional performance from Raheem Sterling.

Saints, on the other hand, find themselves in the relegation zone, one point behind Newcastle United.

Despite this, Guardiola believes league form goes out of the window when it comes to playing in a different competition.

He added: "It's not easy. But it's different competitions Carabao and Premier League and we try to face good games."

Guardiola also does not want to complain about the problems that have forced him to play players out of their natural positions in recent weeks.

This has most notably occurred in defence, where Fernandinho and Rodri have had to cover for injuries.

John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi are now fit again, but Rodri has since picked up an injury and Fernandinho will be suspended for their clash with Saints.

Guardiola said: "For the short term we can handle it. For a long time, I don't know.

"And of course, against top, top, top, top teams, when you don't have players playing in their own position, I don't know what's going to happen.

"But before it's going to happen I'm not going to say it's a disaster or what a pity."