Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that replicating Manchester City’s treble triumph will be “impossible” due to its status as a unique “once in a lifetime” accomplishment.
In the 2022–23 season, the Sky Blues achieved historic success by clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
This feat marked the first time since Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999 that a team had secured the treble.
Although the Spanish manager has welcomed the arrivals of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, he maintains that achieving a similar feat will be an immensely challenging endeavour.
“It is once in a lifetime. It will not be possible to do what we did last season,” he told reporters.
“We climbed the highest mountain last season, but in the last two days we came down from it, and now we start again.
“Everyone has the same intention, and there will be a lot of difficulties to climb the mountain as high as possible. Our football, our level, and our mentality will dictate how the season will be,” he added.
Guardiola was surprised to learn that Tottenham have agreed to sell Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, for a figure of over €100 million (£86 million or $110 million), as the manager failed in his bid to bring the England international to the Etihad a few years ago despite leaving no stone unturned.
When asked about his opinion on the move, Guardiola did hide his astonishment: “Is that [correct]? Officially?”
After a brief pause, he added: “Everybody knows [what qualities he brings to the table]. Just take a look at him and how good he is. He has great attributes and is a top striker. Right, left, header, dropping, quality of play assists, scoring goals arriving.
“An exceptional striker who has shown it for many, many years. Just Alan Shearer is ahead of him as the Premier League’s top goalscorer and exceptional player.”
Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration with the new stoppage time rules following Manchester City’s loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Arsenal eventually winning 4-1 on penalties at Wembley. City had taken the lead with a goal, but Leandro Trossard’s deflected strike in the 111th minute denied them the victory.
The game saw eight minutes of added time initially, but due to the new rules aimed at combating time-wasting, referee Stuart Atwell allowed 14 minutes of additional time.
“This was a result of Kyle Walker and Thomas Partey requiring treatment for a clash of heads during the match. The extended stoppage time seemed to have an impact on the outcome of the match, leaving Guardiola visibly dissatisfied with the situation.
After the game, Guardiola expressed his frustration with the new rules: “It is not annoying, we have to get used to it. I had the feeling, not because we were winning 1-0, but just because I had the feeling that much didn’t happen to extend by eight minutes.
“But it is a good question for the international board [rule-making body, the International Football Association Board] and all the people because they don’t consult the managers, they don’t consult the players.
“What is their opinion, we have to accept it. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that’s for sure. It never happened today, and it took eight minutes. Imagine if they extended for goals every time you scored a goal in a game [that is] 4-3. You put 30 or 45 seconds on for seven goals, tomorrow morning 9 a.m. I am here playing.”
Perhaps not surprisingly, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta saw the other side of the argument. “It’s about effective time,” he said. “I think it’s really good to do that, because it was going too far, I think, and now teams are going to have to think twice. Now we have to be prepared to play 100 minutes because it’s going to happen every single week.”
City took the lead through Cole Palmer’s stunning effort in the 77th minute, and didn’t look threatened until Trossard’s stoppage-time strike took a huge deflection off Manuel Akanji.
Guardiola and his players would, of course, have liked to have won; City have now lost three consecutive Community Shields. However, they will take solace in the fact that in the seasons following the two previous defeats, they went on to be crowned Premier League champions.
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has voiced his apprehensions regarding the pressures placed on players, especially in light of recent developments such as the expanded Club World Cup and extended playing time in matches.
Having secured a treble victory last season by clinching the Champions League title, Manchester City is scheduled to participate in the December Club World Cup held in Saudi Arabia. This edition is intended to be the last with seven teams, as the subsequent tournament in the summer of 2025 will feature 32 teams and take place in the United States.
Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in added time during matches, a strategy observed during the previous World Cup held in Qatar, aimed at curbing time-wasting. This alteration is poised to be implemented in Premier League matches for the upcoming season.
Speaking ahead of his side opening their 2023-24 campaign with Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal, Guardiola said: “I know at the end of next season, we are going to make a (Club) World Cup in the United States after finishing the season, two or three more weeks. That means the holidays will be 15 days or maybe three weeks.
“I think it doesn’t exist already, pre-seasons. The problem is here (touching his head) – exhausted. Look already how many players are injured in pre-season, in bad conditions, humidity, hot, the pitches are not really good, especially in the States.
“It is what it is, so we have to adapt, adjust – but it is not normal.
“Now, for example, every game we’re going to play for 100 minutes. Wasting time – from my point of view it is not going to be solved by extending 10 more minutes. It’s more tiring for the players. It’s too much.
“FIFA, UEFA – more competitions. The World Cup – more teams. This (Club) World Cup – I don’t know how many teams.
“I don’t know what (is going to happen) in the future, for the players, even the managers, to prepare. That’s why you have to see exactly how much you demand of the players.
“Every day, season by season, it’s difficult to handle for the players. They love to play but they need also recovery, with the stress and tension they have. They make a show like they do in front of 55-60,000 people – that is a lot of energy, mental energy, and every week, to do it, is a lot.
“But every year is getting worse and worse, and will be worse. I don’t know how it is going to end, honestly.”
As City prepare to hunt down further silverware, Guardiola has stressed the need for a game-by-game approach in which they “respect incredibly the opponent, do our best to win in the way we believe is better – and after we will see”.
And he added: “I would say honestly we are closer to not repeating the treble than winning it, we are closer to not winning the Premier League than winning it. And no team ever won four in a row.
“Last season – I didn’t start thinking we are going to win the treble. We started, ‘let’s go to try to win (the Community Shield) against Liverpool’ and we lost 3-1.
“And after (that) we won and step by step, good moments. Normally we arrive (in the last few months of the season) in a good mentality and shape, and this is what we are going to try to do again.”
City’s inaugural Champions League victory in June further bolstered their impressive collection of honors under Guardiola’s leadership since 2016, which includes five league titles, two FA Cups, and four League Cups.
Guardiola, the Catalan mastermind, extended his commitment to the club by signing a contract that extends until 2025 in November of the previous year. When questioned about the possibility of contemplating an exit following the triumphant treble win, he responded by affirming his contentment and comfort with his decision to sign the contract.
“Nothing changed, for the fact of win or not win. It is how I am happy, and the people is happy, the board especially, the hierarchy, because in the end they decide which manager has to lead this group of players. If they are satisfied, I still am satisfied.
“I want to defend what we won and year by year, maybe at the end of the season I am tired, or I say we will talk with the club, or maybe extend more, I don’t know.”
After taking charge of Leeds United towards the end of the 2022/23 season, Allardyce confidently claimed to reporters that he possessed the best football knowledge, surpassing even celebrated coaches like Guardiola and Klopp.
Robinson, who served as Allardyce’s assistant at Leeds, discussed the manager’s remarks and how he reacted to them during a conversation on the I Had Trials Once podcast. Robinson said, “We were having lunch, and he (Sam Allardyce) turns to me and says, ‘I need to do something here – I need to create a bit of a smokescreen, the players look nervous, they don’t look like they can deal with the pressure.”
This revelation offers insight into Allardyce’s tactical approach and mindset when handling the pressure and expectations that come with leading a high-profile football club like Leeds United.
“I told him to make something up and throw something out there, and he said, ‘I f*g will!’
“Later, I was in his office with Keano having a coffee, and he storms in with a massive smile on his face, and says, ‘I’ve only f*g said I’m better than Pep and Klopp [to the media], haven’t I?’ The press officer then walks in and he says, ‘let’s see how many bites you get on that one!’”
Allardyce, along with Robinson, took charge of Leeds United on May 3 at a time when the club were 17th in the league table and trying to avoid relegation.
The Whites thereafter managed to pick up just one point from four games playing under Allardyce and eventually went down, finishing 19th.
Allardyce departed Elland Road at the end of last season with Daniel Farke eventually named as his successor following a lengthy search process.
Pep Guardiola has issued a warning to other Premier League teams while showering praise on Erling Haaland for his impressive fitness and form.
The Manchester City manager lauded the young star’s improved physical condition, evident during a pre-season match against Yokohama Marinos, where Haaland scored two goals in a 5-3 victory.
Guardiola emphasized the significance of Haaland finding the back of the net early in pre-season to regain his rhythm and top form.
The striker had a remarkable debut season in England, setting a Premier League scoring record with an impressive 36 goals.
However, his performance declined towards the end of the season, making these early pre-season goals a positive indicator for City and a potential sign of great things to come.
Speaking to reporters, Guardiola said, “Comparing last season, that period. He is fitter, much better, than last season when he arrived.
“I know we would love to be like last season. He looks good, but he is still a way from the best condition, like everyone.
“So, most important for him was to score two goals in the first game, because last season in the last games, he could not score. Important is the rhythm, the principles, we are working with all the time.
“We know exactly what he has to do; we know him, and in a few weeks we will be in better condition than now.”
Haaland’s phenomenal goal-scoring record last season made him one of the most sought-after players in world football.
With his improved fitness and form, City’s rivals in the Premier League should take note, as Guardiola’s assessment suggests Haaland could be an even more potent threat in the upcoming season.
His ability to find the net consistently makes him a key player in City’s title defense.
Guardiola’s side will be next seen in action in a friendly against Bayern Munich on July 26.
Pep Guardiola isn’t afraid to tell ithow it is, but one of his public criticisms of a player was difficult for the player to take since he believed his manager’s evaluation to be unreliable.
Kalvin Phillips was acquired by Manchester City for £50 million from Leeds United, yet his rookie campaign with the treble-winning squad can be overlooked as if it never happened.
Despite not having played much, he was selected for England’s World Cup squad. However, because of an injury he was still nursing in Qatar, he was only able to play for 35 minutes, casting doubt on his invitation.
Phillips rejects Guardiola’s criticism
According to Football365, Pep Guardiola was not too impressed with how the midfielder turned up ‘overweight’ at the club’s training facilities after the tournament in Qatar.
“I’d probably say it was a little bit hard to take just because of how much it was oversized and how many people started talking about it,” he said.
“I know obviously the manager made his comments and stuff like that, and I respected them because I did come back and I – I wasn’t overweight for me, but the manager has seen it in a very different way.”
He returned to the bench for the game against his former club after missing the FA Cup game against Chelsea and was available for all games afterwards.
“I did my best to try to get as fit as possible… It was just one of those things where there was just a misunderstanding between me and some staff members.”
Pirlo rejects Phillips’ comparison
Sports Brief reported that Italian legend, Andrea Pirlo rejected comparisons to Phillips, who is famously dubbed after him in Leeds.
He is dubbed the Yorkshire Pirlo in his hometown even though the former Juventus manager is not in agreement as he found no similarities between them, although he did acknowledge him as a very good player.
Arsenal striker, Gabriel Jesus, has revealed the circumstances that led to his departure from Manchester City and his subsequent move to the Emirates Stadium last summer.
Jesus initially joined Manchester City as a teenager from the Brazilian club Palmeiras in 2019, with a reported transfer fee of £27 million.
During his time at City, he served as a backup to the veteran striker Sergio Aguero until Aguero’s departure in 2021.
According to Sky Sports, the signings of strikers Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez prompted the 26-year-old to seek a new opportunity last summer.
Ultimately, he chose Arsenal as his next destination, reuniting with former City assistant Mikel Arteta, who was then managing Arsenal.
Why Jesus left Man City
For the first time since he left the Etihad Stadium, the Brazil international has opened up on what transpired and when he knew his time with the English champions was up.
”There was a Champions League game, PSG, at home, in which he [Guardiola] put Zinchenko as a false 9. Crazy thing,” Jesus said on the Denilson Show podcast.
“The day before, he didn’t even use [Zinchenko] in training, he had put me in as a striker. … Zinchenko even joked with me: ‘that day I felt bad for you.’
“Two hours before the game, there’s a team talk, the team eats, rests for 30 minutes and goes to the game.
“He told us the team, I didn’t even eat. I went straight to the room, crying, I called my mother to talk: ‘I want to leave.’ I’m going home, because he put [Zinchenko] on, and he didn’t put me on. He put a left-back there. I went crazy.”
According to City’s official statement at his departure, he played 236 games, scored 95 goals, provided 46 assists and won 11 trophies in sky blue.
Jesus gives title advice
Sports Brief reported thatJesus gave Arsenal teammates title advice when they were eight points clear of Manchester City, but unfortunately, they crumbled.
Jesus and Zinchenko came into the Gunners squad with experience, having won four titles each at Manchester, but their expertise could not rub off on the team, and they lost it.
Former Bayern Munich and Manchester United star Bastian Schweinsteiger has made a surprising statement, attributing the failure of the German national team to Pep Guardiola.
Schweinsteiger, during an interview with talkSPORT, expressed his belief that Guardiola’s influence is to blame for Germany’s recent shortcomings on the international stage.
In the previous World Cup, Germany, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, failed to progress past the group stage for the second consecutive tournament.
Since then, they have struggled to secure victories in their last four international matches, including a disheartening 2-0 loss to Colombia on home soil a mere two weeks ago.
Schweinsteiger has connected these disappointing performances to Guardiola’s impact.
Schweinsteiger, 38, said: “It’s a situation that’s very tricky for the German national team and football in general.
“There has been a lot of change.
“When Pep Guardiola joined Bayern Munich [as manager in 2013-14] — when he came to the country — everyone believed we have to play his kind of football, passes and everything. We were kind of losing our values.
“Most of the other countries were looking at Germany as a fighter, we can run until the end and everything.
“Those strengths got lost through the last seven, eight years.
Germany’s youngsters finished bottom of their group in the recent European Under-21 Championship in Georgia and Romania, failing to win any of their three games.
Guardiola will be pleased to hear it is not all his fault though.
Schweinsteiger added: “I’m just trying to explain in one or two sentences but obviously I could take longer.”
The Spanish coach took up the position in 2016, taking over from Manuel Pellegrini. Prior to his arrival in England, Guardiola had spent three successful years at Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
During his remarkable seven-year tenure at Manchester City, the former Barcelona manager has achieved great success, triumphing in nearly every major competition.
Numbers behind Guardiola’s stint
ESPN reports that Guardiola has been in charge of City in 413 games since his arrival and has managed to win an impressive 300 matches across all competitions.
More than 1,000 goals have been scored by the Spaniard’s charges, with an incredible 14 trophies lifted in the process.
Key among the trophies include five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Other trophies the 52-year-old has won during his spell with the Cityzens include two FA Cups, four League Cups, and two Community Shields.
The 2022/23 campaign was Guardiola’s most successful season during his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, as he helped City become only the second Premier League team after rivals Man United to win the treble.
The Manchester club beat Arsenal to the Premier League crown before seeing off United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
The side added the Champions League to their trophy haul after they stunned Serie A giants Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul.
Messi praises Guardiola
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Guardiola has been crowned the ‘best coach in the world’ by Lionel Messi following the former’s treble success with Manchester City.
After years of heartbreak and near misses, Guardiola – widely recognised for unlocking Messi’s extraordinary potential – finally got his hands on the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy as the manager of Man City.
As the highly skilled West Ham midfielder is expected to depart from the club this summer, both Arsenal and Manchester City are engaged in a battle to secure his services.
On Tuesday, June 27, Manchester City made a £90 million offer for Rice, which was promptly turned down by West Ham.
In fact, several reports have suggested West Ham have been left angered by the bid as they feel it was disrespectful on Manchester City’s end.
While the Citizens will certainly need to revamp their midfield after losing Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, Aluko believes Pep Guardiola is not necessarily keen on signing Rice.
“I think there’s a lot of cat and mouse going on here,” She said as quoted on TalkSport.
“I don’t think Manchester City actually want to sign Declan Rice, I think what’s going on is Arteta has picked up the phone to Pep [Guardiola] and said ‘listen, Arsenal are going to do the incremental bid approach, if you put a higher bid in, that will push my owner.”
Aluko was then asked whether this was a tactic to get signings to be done quickly, to which she replied:
“For speed, but to also get the deal done. Because West Ham obviously want a set valuation, I think £120m.”
Despite losing Gundogan. City have all but completed the signing of Matteo Kovacic, who is set to join the club from Chelsea in a £25million deal.
Before joining Arsenal, Mikel Arteta was Guardiola’s number two at Manchester City and the two oversaw the success of the team for several years.
Guardiola famously got one over his friend last season as Arsenal surrendered an 8-point lead at the top to enable City to set themselves up for a treble triumph.
Players set for summer switch
Sports Brief also reported on a list of big names set to make a move in the summer.
Clubs around the globe will be looking to offer the best deals to these free agents with the hope of eventually getting their signatures on the dotted lines of the contract papers.
The likes of Marco Asensio, Moussa Dembele and David De Gea all face uncertain futures and could make stunning transfers.
Rice’s departure from East London appears imminent, having led his team to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League with a late goal from Jarrod Bowen in the 119th minute.
Despite Arsenal’s two unsuccessful bids of around £90 million for the highly valued midfielder, they remain steadfast in their demand for £110 million as the minimum acceptable offer before considering any transfer.
DiMarzio reports that the Citizens have moved ahead of the Gunners, whom they beat to the Premier League title, after lodging an official bid with a total package meeting the player’s valuation.
Rice’s conditions to join City
The player is believed to prefer Arsenal despite City’s offer to West Ham, as he prefers to remain in London because of his family.
Daily Star reports that he has laid down three conditions – which are tied to his role in the team, before agreeing to join the Premier League champions.
The 24-year-old sought assurances he has a long-term role at the club and that he will be an immediate starter and not be slowly integrated like his compatriot Jack Grealish, who joined for £100m from Aston Villa two years ago.
The last and possibly the most difficult request is seeking to know if Pep Guardiola will be at the club beyond the end of his current contract, which expires in 2025.
NBC Sports reported that the manager told the club insiders he would leave when his contract expires. The Spaniard could have been out of contract this summer but extended by two years during the 2022 FIFA World Cup break.
Musiala heaps praise on Rice
Sports Brief reported that German youngster Jamal Musiala heaped praise on Rice as a great player after Bayern Munich withdrew their interest due to the fee and the player’s preference to remain in England.
Musiala knew the England international from their days at Chelsea Academy in Cobham, even though they were in different age groups.
After winning their third consecutive league title, followed by the FA Cup and the coveted Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s team enjoyed a historic season.
The players’ celebrations were expected to last for days, and Kevin Grealish, the father of Jack Grealish, revealed details about one particular night.
Following their Premier League victory, the City players gathered at the Tunnel Club, an exclusive suite at the Etihad Stadium, to continue their festivities.
Grealish’s dad was part of the celebrations that night, and in a wide-ranging interview with The Mirror, he narrated how one of the parties went down.
“To be fair to City, they’ve been brilliant with the celebrations and all the parties. There was one for winning the Premier League at the Tunnel Club a few weeks ago.” He said.
“The drinks bill came to £47,000, FORTY SEVEN GRAND! – I saw the receipt – and before you say it, that wasn’t just Jack’s drinks bill. He actually went home early that night!”
Grealish’s wild ways
While Grealish may have had a quiet night after the Premier League triumph, that was certainly not the case once his team secured the treble.
The former Aston Villa man was at the centre of celebrations and went viral for donning his match-day kit, more than 36 hours after the Champions League final.
After a four-day partying spree, Grealish reportedly told Ben Stokes via text message that he was in a ‘world of pain’.
Despite presumably having the hangover of a lifetime, Grealish still linked up with his England teammates ahead of the Euro qualifier against Malta on Friday, June 16.
Ahead of the game, England boss Gareth Southgate sounded a subtle warning to Grealish to ease up his partying ways, as per The Guardian.
Kai Havertz approves Arsenal move
Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Arsenal’s pursuit of Kai Havertz, who has reportedly given the North Londoners the green light to sign him.
Arsenal are looking to push for Havertz’s move once they wrap up the transfer of West Ham United’s midfield maestro Declan Rice, who is their top transfer target.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted the German ace has already given the green light over a move to north London as he would not have any problem agreeing to personal terms.
To celebrate a historic season where Manchester City secured the treble, Pep Guardiola has presented gifts to the members of the club’s backroom staff.
Manchester City joined an elite group of English clubs by achieving the treble, following their victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on June 10, which marked their first-ever European title.
Prior to this remarkable feat, Guardiola’s team had successfully defended their Premier League title, surpassing long-standing frontrunners Arsenal, and also emerged victorious against their cross-city rivals, Manchester United, in the FA Cup final.
The Telegraph now reports the City manager has decided to give his share of the bonuses to the unseen members of his backroom staff.
The exact figure is not known, but players often get around €750,000 for winning silverware and the head coach is believed to be getting a more or less similar amount.
Who did Guardiola gift?
Among those gifted include the security personnel and receptionists at the club. Daily Mail adds that the staff who work on the administration side are often gifted bonuses for each trophy won.
City players have been on a four-day party since theChampions League win, before those who were called up left to join their respective national sides on the global state.
Guardiola will be aiming to win his fourth consecutive title next season.
Meanwhile, Man City will be looking to bolster their ranks in the transfer window with the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva in doubt. They have already been linked with moves for Chelsea’s Matteo Kovacic and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.
Managers who have won treble
Manchester City are still in a celebratory mood after winning their first-ever UEFA Champions League, beating Inter Milan 1-0 to complete the treble.
City joined other European clubs completing the treble, while Guardiola became the only manager to win it twice after doing so with Barcelona.
Sports Brief has looked at the six managers to have won the UEFA Champions League, domestic league and domestic cup in one season.
The Spaniard made this decision after guiding City to an unprecedented treble during the recently finished 2022–23 season.
After their city rivals, Man United, the Citizens won three significant trophies under Guardiola, becoming just the second Premier League club to do so.
According to The Sun, the English powerhouses defeated Arsenal to win the league title with three games remaining before defeating Manchester United in the FA Cup final to add to their collection of trophies.
City went on to win the Champions League for the first time in their history on Saturday night after silencing Italian giants, Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul in the final of the tournament.
Guardiola to quit Man City
Having won almost every available trophy at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola has reportedly decided to end his career at Man City within the next few years.
The 52-year-old has an active contract with the Manchester club that will expire in 2025, having penned a renewal of his deal back in November 2021.
According to The Guardian, the former Barcelona boss has decided he will not continue at the club once the deal expires.
Guardiola has enjoyed an illustrious career at City since he joined them from Bayern Munich in 2016. An incredible five Premier League titles and a couple of domestic titles are among the honours he has won for the club.
Guardiola receives message from Fergie
Sports Brief also reported onMan City boss, Guardiola revealing the touching message he received from Sir Alex Ferguson before winning a historic treble.
Emulating the legendary Man United manager, the Citizens added the UCL title to the Premier League and FA Cup by beating Inter Milan 1-0 on Saturday night.
The father of Enzo Maresca, an assistant coach for Manchester City, has been located after going missing during the Champions League final in Istanbul.
The father of Maresca was among the City fans who travelled to the Ataturk Stadium to watch the Premier League powerhouses when they faced Inter Milan.
The old man was reported missing, though, during the game, according to The Mirror, which prompted a hasty search for him.
It is believed that Maresca, who has established himself as Guardiola’s right-hand man, was notified of his father’s abduction and made an effort to call him.
An announcement was made on the ground for Maresca’s father to make himself known to the nearest steward, with the message also shown on the big screens inside the stadium.
After hours of searching, he is understood to have finally been found safe and sound, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that he was located in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Who is Enzo Maresca?
Maresca has built a reputation for himself as Pep Guardiola’s right-hand man, with the tactician among the people behind the scenes of Man City’s success.
The 43-year-old started off his football career as a player, plying his trade with West Brom and Juventus, where he won the Serie A.
He later transitioned into management, initially taking up a role with Man City’s development squad.
He went on to take charge of Parma in Serie B before he joined City’s backroom staff last summer after Juanma Lillo departed for a managerial role in Saudi Arabia.
The tactician has since been linked with the vacant Celtic and Leicester City roles.
Inter legend misses Istanbul trip
Earlier, it was reported that Inter Milan cult hero, Adriano missed the chance to cover the Champions League final in Istanbul because he was partying, according to reports.
Adriano is a familiar name among Inter fans, as the Brazilian had some memorable moments as a Nerazzuri in the early 2000s.
Because of his legendary status at Inter, it only made sense that he was invited to be a pundit for the final, where his former side came up against Manchester City on Saturday, June 10.
Manchester City’s final Champions League victory on Saturday earned Pep Guardiola his 12th major trophy with the team.
It marks another remarkable achievement for the ex-Barcelona coach, who has staked his claim as one of the greatest managers of the modern era.
We take a look at some of his best achievements in Manchester.
Cup kings
After a trophyless first season,Guardiolagot his hands on his first silverware at City with a 3-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final in 2018.
They went on to win the league title in style with a record 100 points the same year before edging out Liverpool by 98 points to 97 in a thrilling title race 12 months later.
They again won the Carabao Cup by beating Chelsea on penalties and thrashed Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final to become the first side to win the domestic Treble.
Guardiola’s side failed to mount a successful title defence as Liverpool took the honours in the pandemic-interrupted season in 2020 but they did not go empty-handed, beating Aston Villa 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final.
City paced themselves superbly in another coronavirus-affected season the year after to win the Premier League with three games to spare ahead of rivals Manchester United.
They also beat Tottenham to claim a fourth successive Carabao Cup but narrowly missed out on the Champions League as they lost toChelseain the final.
Pep’s time
Pep Guardiola is a Manchester City legend
City began April 2022 in the hunt for three trophies.
Their Champions League and FA Cup hopes both ended at the semi-final stage but they pipped the Merseysiders to the title by a point on a dramatic final day by coming from behind to beat Aston Villa.
Fuelled by the record-breaking goalscoring exploits of the remarkable Erling Haaland, City hit form once again in 2023 to reel in long-time leaders Arsenal and claim a fifth title in six years.
Ilkay Gundogan’s brace downed Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final before City emulated their rivals’ 1998-99 treble by beating Inter Milan to win the Champions League thanks to Rodri’s second-half strike.
Pep Guardiola is of the opinion that preventingManchester City from achieving a treble could serve as added motivation for Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
In a highly anticipated clash between the two neighboring rivals at Wembley on Saturday, there is more than just a trophy and local bragging rights on the line.
For City, who have already secured the Premier League title, a victory in the FA Cup final would be a crucial step towards a potential triumphant treble, with the Champions League final scheduled for the following week.
United on the other hand – as the only side to have won all three of those competitions in the same season, back in 1999 – will be anxious to stop them and protect their place in history.
City manager Guardiola said: “I could understand that. It belongs to them, that’s normal. Sport is like that.
“’That belongs to us – we don’t want anyone else to do it,’ it’s normal, that feeling. It’s completely understandable. But it’s a football game, who will be better will win.”
The Dutchman has enjoyed an encouraging first season at Old Trafford having won the Carabao Cup and reclaimed a Champions League spot.
“I know what is the thinking from the fans,” Ten Hag said.
“But what we want is to restore Manchester United by winning trophies. We have an opportunity to win a trophy and we don’t want to be distracted by anything.
“If it’s important for the fans then it’s important for us, so we will give everything to win the cup.”
Guardiola insists the treble is not part of his thinking yet. He has spent the week preparing to face United and will switch focus to playing Inter Milan in Istanbul next week.
“We didn’t speak once about Inter these days,” he said. “We’ll have Sunday off, and after we’ll have three or four days training.
“We’ll introduce what we believe Inter are, to try to beat them, then. We have time. Saturday to Saturday is a long time to prepare for a game.
“United and the FA Cup deserve the full attention and commitment. The players are completely aware of that.”
City could have a fully-fit squad with Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji, who all missed last week’s game at Brentford, having since returned to training.
Guardiola has confirmed second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega will start, as he has in all domestic cup fixtures this season.
United are without striker Anthony Martial due to a hamstring injury and winger Antony is also a major doubt.
Manchester City posed a formidable challenge toArsenal in the Premier League title race and eventually surpassed them. However, there was a point where City could have lost the title as well.
Throughout the season, City trailed behind Arsenal, but they managed to secure the championship with three games remaining.
Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest played a significant role in City’s victory, as it ensured Forest’s safety and helped City claim the title.
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City clinched their third consecutive title and their fifth in the past six years.
The only team to interrupt their dominance was Liverpool, who were crowned champions in 2020.
Ilkay Gundogan lifts the Premier League trophy with his Man City teammates after beating Chelsea. Photo by Visionhaus.
City are on course for a treble with the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan still to come in the next 10 days.
City nearly lost EPL title
One of the advantages Man City had over Arsenal was beating the challengers home and away with an aggregate scoreline of 7-2, which proved helpful in the long run.
However, City’s away form nearly collapsed their own title aspirations.
According to SportBible, against teams who finished in the top nine, the champions only won once – against Arsenal – while also drawing three and losing five.
Attention was somewhat put on Manchester United. According to The Independent, the Red Devils failed to win away against any top nine teams, securing only a draw against Tottenham, but City have it almost the same.
Three consecutive draws against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton were crucial to Arsenal’s collapse, but Caught Offside reports that a poor home form where only five teams conceded more goals also cost Mikel Arteta’s side.
City should not underestimate Inter
Manchester City are the odds-on favourite to win the Champions League final against Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 10.
However, Sports Brief analysed two important reasons why City should not underrate Inter, or they could be in for a shocker similar to their loss to Chelsea in 2021.
The first-ever all-Manchester FA Cup final will take place this weekend at Wembley under the direction of Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag.
We have looked more closely at the City and United managers in preparation for Saturday’s matchup in the capital.
Past meetings
This season’s Premier League encounters are the only times these managers have faced off, with City winning the first encounter 6-3 in October before United came back to win 2-1 at Old Trafford in January.
But while they do not have a huge history of playing against one another, these bosses know each other well.
Guardiola and Pep worked together at Bayern
Ten Hag left Go Ahead Eagles in his homeland in 2013 to become head coach of Bayern Munich II — the reserve team of the perennial Bundesliga champions, who were then managed by Guardiola.
The United boss said the Catalan inspired him, with the pair talking regularly and the Dutchman watching him very carefully.Ten Hag has previously described his training sessions as “a joy to watch”.
Guardiola clearly thinks highly of his cross-city rival, who he said would have made an excellent successor for him at the Etihad before his United appointment was confirmed.
Trophies
Pep Guardiola lifted his fifth Premier League title earlier this month
Guardiola, arguably the greatest coach of this generation, boasts an eye-watering medal haul.
The 52-year-old has won 11 top-flight titles — three LaLiga crowns, three Bundesliga titles and now five Premier League triumphs. Guardiola oversaw a pair of Champions League victories at Barcelona, which he hopes to add to against Inter Milan in June’s Istanbul finale.
Pep has also won domestic trophies aplenty wherever he has been, with Saturday offering the chance to win his second FA Cup.
The freshly-crowned LMA Manager of the Year takes on a man that led Ajax to three Eredivisie titles during his time in Amsterdam, as well as a pair of KNVB Cups and the Johan Cruyff Shield.
Ten Hag’s first silverware as a manager was the Regionalliga Bayern title in 2014, while this season’s Carabao Cup victory was his latest triumph and first at United.
This season
Erik ten Hag will hope to be smiling after the final whistle on Saturday
City are looking to write their name in history by matching United’s 1999 Treble heroes. Guardiola’s side saw off Arsenal’s impressive title charge during an unrelenting end to the season that led them to be crowned with three games to spare — their fifth in six years and third in succession.
Inter stand in their way as City make their second Champions League final appearance on June 10, where they would have the chance to wrap up the Treble, unless Ten Hag’s Red Devils can put a spoke in the wheel at Wembley.
United have improved vastly on last season’s wretched campaign to finish third in the Premier League, securing a Champions League return on the back of ending their six-year wait for silverware.
Ten Hag became just the second manager in the club’s medal-laden history to win a major trophy in his first season at the helm with February’s Carabao Cup triumph against Newcastle.
Erik ten Hag wins Carabao cup
Now comes the chance to add another trophy to the cabinet with a statement victory that would end their neighbours’ Treble dreams.
This conversation between Guardiola and Neymar comes shortly after news surfaced indicating that Manchester United could be among the clubs expressing interest in acquiring the winger’s services.
Neymar had an exceptional individual season in France before his involvement was hindered by an ankle injury, cutting short his further participation.
Neymar suffered ankle injury in 2023
PSG were then eliminated from the Champions League, provoking angry reactions from the club’s ultras, who have now demanded that Neymar and Lionel Messi leave the club.
While Messi will be a free agent,Neymar remains contracted until 2027 and it remains to be seen if the French side will want to cash in on him.
As L’Euipe reports, Guardiola checked in on the 31-year-old, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Manchester City will move in for him.
On paper, Manchester City are among the few clubs that can pay the astronomical wages of the former Barcelona man. The Mirror adds that Manchester United are also tempted by the possibility of bringing Neymar to Old Trafford.
How Guardiola could line up with Neymar
Despite his injury concerns, Neymar is a world-class player who would readily walk into any team.
Should Guardiola’s phone calls turn into a move to the Etihad, Sports Brief takes a look at how he would fit Guardiola’s plans. The Spanish manager has shown over the years that he is not afraid to tweak his system.
1. As a left winger
This is the Brazilian’s position of strength. he has played a majority of his career from the left wing due to the lethal nature of his right foot. Jack Grealish has, however, made this position his own this season after initially struggling since joining from Aston Villa.
2. As a secondary striker
Should Guardiola stick with Grealish on the left wing, Neymar could easily be moved into a secondary striker position.
It is the same position he adopted under Tite in the Brazil national team set up to allow for Vinicius Junior’s inclusion into the team.
Guardiola’s 3-2-4-1 formation would see him play alongside Kevin De Bruyne, just behind Erling Haaland and just in front of a double pivot midfield, usually of John Stones and Rodri, with Grealish and Bernardo Silva covering the flanks.
This could also solve the Ilkay Gundogan issue. The skipper is yet to agree a new deal with the club.
3. As a number 10
This is highly unlikely given that Guardiola rarely uses the 4-2-3-1 formation to allow for the number 10 to play behind the striker. However, De Bruyne slightly dropping in deep could allow Neymar to play in between two wingers, just behind the main striker.
Guardiola could as easily come up with a different position for the talented forward. It would be exciting to see what he adds to the current Manchester City team should he join this summer.
Neymar skips title celebrations
Sports Brief has also reported that Neymar elected not to travel to Strasbourg, where a solitary Lionel Messi goal secured a 1-1 draw for the Parisians and confirmed their second successive Ligue 1 title.
The Brazilian instead attended the showcase Formula 1 event in Monaco and was pictured alongside Hollywood superstars like Tom Holland, Orlando Bloom, and Michael Douglas – a decision that has not gone down well with the club.
Neymar’s absence from their title celebrations has reportedly been seen as an ‘act of provocation’ by the PSG hierarchy, as his exit this summer appears increasingly likely.
Pep Guardiola is confident that his Man Citysquad is prepared to seize the opportunity and achieve a historic treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Having secured their third consecutive league title with three games remaining, the English champions now have the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan next month.
In English football, only Manchester United’s class of 1998/99 has previously accomplished the treble.
Guardiola believes his team has the potential to join this elite group and etch their names in football history.
“Everybody knows what position we are in. It comes once in a lifetime,” Guardiola said on Friday.
“Once we are there, first of all you have to relax and enjoy and do your best, but no one can be sure we will be in that position again.
“They are ready. I see many details — how they come up on days off to make treatments, how many hours they stay to make the treatments, how players are individually concerned maybe they cannot play theFA Cup final and Champions League final.
“When you see that you don’t have to tell anything and do anything.”
Guardiola’s scrupulous attention to detail is often hailed as a key to his success.
But he said some time off after Sunday’s final league game away to Brentford is the best preparation for two huge matches.
“When I started, it was ‘I have to prepare the final. I have to make a lot of videos’. Now it’s completely the opposite,” said the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, who has won 11 league titles in 14 seasons as a coach.
“We need to disconnect. Even our physios and doctors and cooks, they work incredibly hard in this period. They don’t have time off. They need to disconnect.
“Go with your families. If the sun is shining, play golf, do whatever you want and (have) quality (rest) to prepare for the finals. Arrive in the best conditions for the finals.”
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is interested in reuniting with Gundogan, as they previously worked together when Arteta served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant until 2019.
Manchester City are planning to offer Ilkay Gundogan a new contractCredit: Getty
The German’s City contract expires at the end of the season and early talks failed to find an agreement.
Barcelona indicated they were willing to offer him a two-year deal and Gundogan was holding out for a similar offer from his current club.
Thestand-off alerted Arsenal, who ran the champions close in the title race, to the possibility they could bring him to the Emirates for free this summer.
However, there is now optimism that a compromise can be reached which will see him extend his seven-year stay at the Etihad.
The deal proposed by City is believed to be structured differently to the one he has been offered at the Nou Camp but is closer to what he was looking for.
He had been linked with a move to ArsenalCreditAP
And if he does stay, it would be a timely boost for Guardiola who has regularly stated wants the German – his first signing at City back in 2016 – to stay.
Gundogan scored twice in each of his last two league starts – against Leeds and Everton – to put them on the brink of a third straight title.
He lifted the trophy at the weekend despite not getting on against Chelsea – and is now hoping to get his hands on two more before the season finishes.
The feeling is Guardiola would have thrown his captain on for a few minutes at the end to say his goodbyes if he had thought it was going to be his Etihad farewell.
His situation has taken on increasing importance with summer target Jude Bellingham expected to join Real Madrid rather than the English champs.
Guardiola is looking to strengthen his midfield this summer with Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic one name under consideration along with Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.
Meanwhile, City remain in talks with teen defender Rico Lewis over a new deal – but are yet to finalise terms.
The 18-year-old full-back showed his versatility and quality again during the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday and has been praised by Guardiola for his contribution to the title success.
To celebrate making it to theChampions League final, Manchester City had “60 bottles of champagne” in their locker room after Madrid game, but their manager, Pep forbade all of it.
On Saturday, June 10, the championship match of the top-tier European club football competition will take place.
Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Turkey will host the major match between City and Inter Milan of Italy.
The Cityzens defeated Real Madrid 4-0 to advance to the championship game with a 5-1 overall score.
Guardiola’s men are now odds-on to win the treble this season.
They are just three wins away from wrapping up the Premier League title, FA Cup and Champions League.
However, despite reaching the final of the Champions League for just the second time in their history, City’s manager was in no mood to let his boys get on the bubbly to celebrate.
The Daily Mail claims that “security staff removed 60 bottles of champagne that had been ordered for the home dressing room” following Wednesday’s demolition job of the current holders.
They claim that Guardiola has banned celebrations until they have won their first trophy in their Treble pursuit.
Officials at the club were allegedly “told that the champagne had been dispatched in error by hospitality staff” and it was instead “intended to be placed in the dressing room on Sunday” when they could potentially clinch a fifth Premier League title in six years.
And it is not only the champers that the star-studded squad has to look forward to.
Guardiola is believed to have promised to take his players and their families “out for a celebratory meal and drinks at the end of the season” even if they fail to land any silverware.
City’s attention has now returned to the Premier League, where they can wrap up the title with a win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
They could seal it 24 hours earlier though if Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest, or win it with a draw if that’s the result the Gunners get at the City Ground.
The FA Cup final comes next when the two Manchester clubs meet at that stage for the first time ever at Wembley on June 3.
Then all eyes will turn to the Champions League for the showdown with Inter.
Pep Guardiola, the manager ofManchester City, struggled to contain his joy as he played a pivotal role in guiding the club to clinch this season’s Premier League (EPL) title.
City secured the prestigious crown with three games remaining, following a remarkable series of victories in the final stretch.
The Cityzens were officially declared champions on Saturday evening, shortly after Arsenal suffered a detrimental 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
According to BBC, the Gunners’ loss meant it was mathematically impossible for them to catch up to City in the race.
However, Guardiola’s charges had to wait until Sunday before they could finally lift the trophy for the fifth time under the Spaniard.
Guardiola shows off dance moves
The former Barcelona andBayern Munich boss used the opportunity to parade his dance moves as he joined Man City players and fans in a dance, shortly after they were crowned champions.
The Daily Star reports that Man City fans were left in awe of their manager’s groovy dance moves, as the 52-year-old let loose in celebration.
Guardiola was sporting a City shirt with ‘Champions 23’ on the back as he joined the celebrations.
An overjoyed Pep Guardiola joined Manchester City stars, fans, and staff in dance after they were crowned English champions on Sunday
The experienced tactician will now be hoping to help City win a historic treble before the end of the season.
The English giants are in two finals- the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Haaland joins fans in dance
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Erling Haaland was once again the centre of attention during Man City’s Premier League trophy presentation.
The Norwegian hotshot was involved in a heartwarming moment with City fans, as he was caught on camera leaving an on-pitch interview to join supporters in dance.
Talksport reports that Sky Sports had managed to get hold of the striker for an interview before the incident happened.
DuringMan City’s title celebrations, Pep Guardiola’s daughter Maria created quite a stir, potentially overshadowing her father.
Manchester City had already secured the championship ahead of their match against Chelsea, thanks to Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest the day before.
Pep and daughter Maria steals the show during City’s championships celebrations
City were greeted to a guard of honour by Chelsea as they walked on to the pitch already knowing their third title in a row was in the bag.
This season’s is also Pep’s fifth for the Cityzens since joining back in 2016.
And the Sky Blues wasted no time in celebrating their latest achievement, as they aim to win a historic Treble this season.
The players were treated byGuardiola to pizza and beer in the dressing room ahead of their coronation on the pitch.
With players’ families joining them on the pitch to celebrate, it was Guardiola’s daughter, Maria, who turned the heads of fans online.
Maria, 22, is no stranger to the social media spotlight, having previously dated former Spurs star Dele Alli.
The Barcelona-born influencer boasts more than half a million followers on Instagram.
She is also signed to modelling agency Premier Model Management.
And many fans were pre-occupied by her good looks while Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp lauded her father’s footballing achievements during Sunday’s broadcast.
One fan tweeted a series of flustered emojis in reaction to a photo of Maria, while another reacted with a gif of Wout Weghorst celebrating in response to the Spanish beauty.
City’s boozy title celebrations continued into the night, as the likes of Erling Haaland and his girlfriend hit an exclusive Manchester nightclub to celebrate the club’s latest title.
Having confirmed the Premier League on Saturday, City will play their last two Premier League games against Brighton and Brentford before their FA Cup final clash with Manchester United on June 3rd.
Fans will be hoping that the celebrations will continue as City look to become the second team to win the Treble after rivals Manchester United completed the feat in 1999.
The Premier League crown was officially awarded to City after their match against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
According to The Mirror, Pep Guardiola’s team sealed the championship with three games remaining as their title contenders, Arsenal, stumbled yet again in their game against Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners were stunned 1-0 by the lowly Forest, with the result all but ending their title dream after what seemed like a promising season.
Despite being declared champions on Saturday, City had to wait until Sunday before they could finally lay their hands on the English top flight trophy.
Haaland joins fans in dance
Haaland was once again the centre of attraction during Man City’s Premier League trophy presentation.
The Norwegian hotshot was involved in a heartwarming moment with fans as he was caught on camera leaving an on-pitch interview to join supporters in their dance.
Haaland dances with fans
Talksport reports that Sky Sports had managed to get hold of the striker for an interview before the incident happened.
Haaland has been a revelation at Man City since his arrival in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund.
The 22-year-old has played a vital role in helping the Citizens retain the crown, with the forward boasting an eyewatering 36 Premier League goals so far.
City stars herded off pitch
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man City players had to be ushered off after jubilant fans invaded the pitch at the Etihad Stadium moments before the Premier League title presentation.
Overjoyed supporters of the Citizens ran onto the pitch in celebration shortly after the final whistle, sparking a briefly tense moment when officials and security had to get involved.
Man City’s triumphant stars, including Kevin De Bruyne and Norwegian star, Haaland, had to be guided to the tunnel as fans spilled over onto the turf to celebrate their club’s title victory.
After winning their fifth Premier League championship in as many years, Manchester City’s stars praised the club as “unstoppable” and one of the best squads in league history.
City sealed the deal in spectacular fashion by defeating Chelsea 1-0 for their 12th straight league victory after Arsenal’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday made it clear that they could not be overcome.
Kyle Walker, a defender, said to Sky Sports: “Of course, every single one is a very important occasion.
“I think to not be sitting at the top of the league for as long as we were, I think it was 11 points at one stage, so to then come back just needing a victory out of one of the three games, it’s brilliant.
“This group of lads are second to none. They’re professionals, they’re winners and I think that’s how we get across the line more times than not.
“But we’re not finished. We’ve got the FA Cup against our bitter rivals Manchester United and then we’ve got the Champions League final.”
City face United in the FA Cup final on June 3 before meeting Inter Milan a week later as they chase a firstChampions League crown.
Walker. added: “It would be fantastic but there’s a lot of football to be played before we can start saying about the Treble.
“We’ve got two massive finals. I think, just for this club and this group of lads that I’ve been involved with for six years, to say we’re up there with one of the greatest Premier League teams of all time, I think we have to go and conquer some of that.
“To go and get this, I think we can really stamp our mark on being one of the greatest teams of all-time in the Premier League.”
Jack Grealish has been a key player in their recent winning run, and he said of his second Premier League title: “Obviously it’s different. For me personally, I feel this year especially I’ve played much more of a part.
“I feel good in myself, I feel confident, back to my normal self and what I knew I could do.”
Asked if City feel invincible, the England forward added: “It’s mad because I spoke to some of the lads not long ago and I said, ‘Imagine if someone would have said to you to win the league you’ve got to go and win 12 games in a row?’
“I’m not saying I didn’t think we could do it but it was going to be difficult. We’ve got so much talent in this squad and I think at the moment we feel unstoppable.”
It was a first title for goal machine Erling Haaland, who said: “(It’s) a dream. I don’t know what to say. It’s just unreal and I’m so happy. These are memories I will remember for the rest of my life. We’ve been fighting so hard.
“Debut season, 36 goals so far, Premier League trophy and two finals left — not a bad start.”
Kevin De Bruyne is now an old hand at winning titles with City, and he added: “I know people expect us to win a lot but we work every day for this and a lot of people sacrifice for us so we’re very grateful.
“I think sometimes it’s more tough mentally than it is physically because you have to go again, again, again, but the team is hungry. I want to win more and keep going while I still can.”
The emotions were a little different for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who finally made his first Premier League start for the club.
“Obviously it was a great feeling,” he said. “When I came in this morning the manager told me I was playing and I was just happy, to be honest.
“But I was happy because we won the league the night before and I knew there might be a chance I could play. I just went home, relaxed, and I enjoyed every moment out here.
“It’s been unbelievably tough, it’s probably been one of the lowest points in myself, confidence-wise, in my career. But, with the guys around me, the leaders that have kept me going, they told me I’d get my chance and luckily today I did.
“I’m very lucky that I’ve got the guys around me to keep pushing me and working me as hard as possible.”
After a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, Arsenal’s slim hopes of winning the Premier League title faded away, allowing Manchester City to secure their fifth crown in six years.
Although Arsenal demonstrated remarkable form for a significant portion of the season, spending 248 days at the top of the table and holding an eight-point lead over City in March, a concerning decline has led to just two victories in their last eight matches.
That allowed them to be overtaken by Pep Guardiola’s relentless juggernaut, who have won 11 games in a row.
The Spaniard says Arsenal have to find a way to compete with City but it will not be a quick fix.
“This is my job, this is our job, and this is what this club deserves,” Arteta said.
“It wasn’t enough. I know we’re not at that level, but we have to find a way. This is not enough. It’s not going to change in three months time. We need to be at that level but we need to find other ways to do it.
“For example at Forest we needed to play much better. This is my responsibility.
“That’s why we have to push for that to happen. That’s not going to happen if we don’t make a lot of right decisions and think smart and have the mentality every day to get to that level.”
For large parts of the season, which began with more than 20 new signings, they looked destined to return straight back to the Championship, not least when they were on an 11-game winless run going into the end of April.
Boss Steve Cooper steered them away from danger, thanks to 10 points from the last five games, and he is thankful to the fans, who have been vociferous in their support throughout the campaign.
Arteta and Pep
It looked possible that the Welshman could be sacked on two occasions during the campaign, but Forest fans voted with their feet and came out in unanimous support of their manager.
And Cooper will never forget that.
“My family and myself will be in debt to these supporters forever,” he said.
“What they have given me this year in an era of people always wanting change and having no patience, our supporters have been the complete opposite. They have been the best with me in some difficult times. That takes some doing.
“The whole sense of being part of something, being wanted and that sense of belonging is such a powerful feeling. Our supporters have set the standard for how to support a team.”
Manchester City’s remarkable display against Real Madrid on May 17 was slightly overshadowed by a momentary clash between Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola.
Following a loss of possession, De Bruyne seemed to express his frustration towards his manager, but the incident was swiftly resolved as Guardiola embraced him warmly when he was substituted.
In a subsequent explanation, Guardiola emphasized that the entire team, including De Bruyne, was under immense pressure to maintain control of the game after halftime.
He dismissed the altercation as a natural occurrence within the context of a competitive match, as reported by Goal.
Player-manager confrontations are not new in football. Some, like De Bruyne and Guardiola, have been lucky to patch things up, but others still have the same animosity to date.
Sports Brief takes a look at the most heated player-manager confrontations.
1. Alex Ferguson and David Beckham (Manchester United)
The legendaryManchester United manager built his reputation on a zero-tolerance policy to indiscipline no matter how big of a star you are.
He had a couple of clashes with his players, but perhaps the one with Beckham in 2003 stands out from the bunch. The two reportedly almost came to blows in the dressing room, with the midfielder sustaining a cut above his eyebrow, as reported by MEN.
He was thereafter sold to Real Madrid, but the two have since reconciled, with Beckham even insinuating he was possibly at fault.
2. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri (Chelsea)
This was partly down to a communication breakdown when Arrizabalaga famously decided to ignore Sarri’s instructions to come off during the Carabao Cup final in 2019.
Sarri wanted to introduce Willy Caballero in the dying minutes of extra time against Manchester City with an eye on the subsequent penalty shootouts. Arrizabalaga stood his ground and failed to win the game for Chelsea.
The World’s most expensive goalkeeper apologised to his coach afterwards, as reported by Sky Sports.
3. Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy (Ireland)
If you know Keane, you know how combative he was during his playing days. Not that he has changed much with his punditry.
He infamously called out Ireland national team boss Mick McCarthy, blasting out his training sessions ahead of the 2002 World Cup. The former Manchester United skipper was sent home.
4. Nicolas Anelka and Ray Domenech (France)
Another international incident and another player to be sent home from an international tournament. France’s World Cup campaign in South Africa in 2010 was shambolic at best and Anelka’s role will be remembered for years to come.
The experienced striker publicly called out Head Coach Domenech by calling him unprintable names after their defeat to Mexico. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker had been asked to play in a position he was not comfortable in, as captured by the Mirror.
He refused to apologise and was sent home as Les Bleus crashed out in the group stage. Anelka has never apologised to date.
5. Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
A list of clashes won’t be complete without Mourinho being mentioned anywhere, will it? The Special One has never been afraid of speaking his mind but in 2018, he was the one doing the listening.
Pogba was infuriated that Manchester United had sat back against Watford instead of attacking against Watford at Old Trafford.
Mourinho did not take the words of the Frenchman lightly and stripped him of the vice-captaincy of the club. As Sky Sports reported, the Portuguese manager, however, maintained that he had no issue with the midfielder.
What next for De Bruyne and Guardiola?
City faithful will be happy there are no lingering issues between Guardiola and De Bruyne as they enter into the final five fixtures of their season. They play Chelsea this weekend with a win enough to guarantee them a fifth title in six years.
They would then wrap up their Premier League campaign against Brighton and Brentford before facing Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3. The team will then attempt to win their first Champions League title when they play Inter Milan on June 10.
3 controversial calls in Champions League
De Bruyne’s blueprint was all over the semifinal as he scored a thunderbolt to equalise proceedings in the first leg on May 9.
There was nothing wrong with the Belgian’s shot, only that a few seconds earlier, Bernardo Silva had retrieved the ball after it had crossed the line for a throw-in, but the officials failed to spot it. VAR failed to review the incident and Ancelotti was so furious that he got himself booked.
As Sports Brief reported, there have been more scandalous decisions in the Champions League in the past; goals and decisions that stood that weren’t supposed to.
City successfully defended their Premier League crown on Saturday, May 20, as Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
According to The Sun, Guardiola has now won a total of five top-flight titles since assuming the managerial role at Manchester City seven years ago.
Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City
The Spaniard still has more trophies to change before the end of the season, with the FA Cup and the Champions League trophies on the horizon.
However, Guardiola would need to help see off rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final and Serie A giants Inter Milan for a chance to win a historic treble with City.
Should this happen, City will become the first Premier League team to win the treble since 1999, when Man United did it under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Pep hints at quitting Man City
Despite Guardiola’s significant success with Man City, it has emerged that the Spaniard could still dump the club.
The former Barcelona boss gave a rather cryptic answer when asked about his future at the Etihad Stadium before Arsenal’s defeat handed his side the Premier League title.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola was asked if he would quit City if there is nothing left to fight for in terms of trophies.
“First, we have to win it. [Then] you can ask me after and I will tell you how I feel and how I think,” he said.
“Of course, if we achieve then I will tell you,” he added.
Similarly, one could argue that, the duoJose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola share a similar dynamic, having clashed during their El Clásico encounters in Spain and subsequently crossing paths again in Manchester.
They rank highly in the list of the most successful coaches alongside the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson. There has always been loads of respect between the two, but once in a while, a subtle dig is always sent out.
Like what fans believe happened after Mourinho guided AS Roma to another European final on Thursday.
The Special One masterminded another defensive masterclass to see off Bayer Leverkusen to set up a final against record winners Sevilla. This came just a day after Guardiola had equally qualified for his second Champions League final as Manchester City boss.
Pep(R) and Mourinho
What Mourinho said about Guardiola
Mourinho, however, appeared to insinuate that his achievement was much greater than Guardiola’s, given the strength of the squads both have to work with.
The Giallorossi’ haven’t been the luckiest of teams as far as injuries are concerned this season.
“The only teams that do not suffer are those exceptional teams that they have on the bench €40million or €70million players.
Mourinho in a post match interview
If you look at City’s semi-final, they brought on Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez in the second half.
“If we lose four or five players then we suffer. That is natural. At Roma, we have players out injured and others who have not had transfer fees must come in. We invested €7million in the market and we are in the final. What we have done is extraordinary,” as quoted by the Mirror.
The comment opens up an interesting spectacle. Should both managers win their finals, the two veteran managers could meet in theUEFA Super League later this year.
Mourinho slammed for ugly tactics
Sports Brief also reported on criticism Mourinho received for his tactics against Bayer Leverkusen.
Roma frustrated Bayer Leverkusen in Germany to draw the second leg 0-0 and qualify on an aggregate score of 1-0.
At the Bay Arena on Thursday night, it was a vintage Mourinho performance. His side had zero shots on target as they defended resolutely for the entire 90 minutes.
There were also rampant cases of time-wasting, with the Roma players going down at intervals, much to the frustration of their opponents.
Karim Benzema, a Real Madrid colleague of Courtois, received the individual award for helping Real Madrid to its 14th Champions League triumph and the La Liga victory.
Thibaut Courtois in action against Erling Haaland on May 17. Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City.
Source: Getty Images
Guardiola opined that although Benzema was also a deserved winner, Courtois deserved one as well.
“If they had given the Ballon d’Or to Courtois last year, it would also have been deserved,” as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Courtois 2022 achievements
The Belgian shot-stopper was Los Blancos best player after Benzema, as he conceded only 46 goals in 52 appearances, as captured by Transfermarkt. He put on major performances, especially in the Champions League final against Liverpool, where he bagged the man of the match.
He was gifted the Yashin trophy for being the best goalkeeper of the season but bizarrely finished in seventh place in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Guardiola made these comments after watching his team dump Real Madrid out of this season’s Champions League.
Despite conceding four goals, Courtois was the best player in Carlo Ancelotti’s side as he pulled off a string of decent stops to maintain a respectable scoreline.
He particularly thwartedErling Haaland’s efforts, who had at least three decent chances to get on the scoresheet.
Messi vs Haaland Ballon d’Or rankings
This Ballon d’Or debate comes at a time when Haaland closed the gap on Lionel Messi by qualifying for the Champions League final.
Messi again? Or Haaland takes it this time
As Sports Brief reported, apart from Messi’s early elimination from the Champions League, the Argentine delivered for his country in Qatar.
He played a role in almost every game, bar their opening match against Saudi Arabia.
He may still be the front-runner, with the World Cup lending him significant weight, but his 2023 form, coupled with disciplinary issues, could stand between him and another title.
If Haaland completes a treble with Manchester City this season, it would be hard for him to be overlooked in this year’s award.
Pep Guardiola has downplayed his role inMan City’s exceptional season, despite their impressive form and the potential to secure a treble.
As they prepare to host Chelsea in their final Premier League home game, with the FA Cup and Champions League finals on the horizon, there is a sense of celebration surrounding the team.
Guardiola has once again been a huge factor in their success, with little doubt after Wednesday’s ruthless demolition of Real Madrid that he has brought his team to the boil at just the right time.
Yet the inspirational Catalan has no interest in taking all the credit.
Pep Guardiola (l) and Vincent Kompany pictured in 2019
The City boss said: “As a manager, I feel part of something but, no confusion, I never think it belongs to me.
“I’m part of it, I don’t deny it, but not without the incredible work and decisions of the sporting director, the board and the players, who are the most important thing.
“I am a part of that and I am really proud but I’m not the only person to achieve the Premier Leagues or Champions League finals and so on. I don’t feel only I am responsible for that.”
Defender Nathan Ake is City’s only fitness doubt for the visit of Chelsea. The Netherlands international has missed the last three games after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury.
Defender Nathan Ake
City are unbeaten in their last 23 games in all competitions since February and have won 19 of them.
Legendary figure atManchester United, Rio Ferdinand, has disclosed the content of a text message he received from Pep Guardiola just hours before Manchester City’s crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid.
The two teams clashed in a thrilling semi-final encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Spain, both teams had everything to fight for in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City’s manager Pep Guardiola
The Citizens, who are looking to win the competition for the first time in their history, were the eventual winners of the fixture.
Sky Sports reports that Bernardo Silva was the man of the moment for City, as he netted a first-half brace before Akanji and Julian Alvarez also got their names on the scoresheet to help the hosts beat Real 4-0.
Pep’s message to Rio
It has now emerged that Guardiola was very much aware that his charges would demolish the La Liga giants during their meeting.
According to Rio, the Man City boss texted him moments before the clash and told him his side would emerge victors.
“Pep Guardiola texted me before the game and said, ‘We beat them two years ago, and we will beat them again, believe me’,” Sportbible quoted Ferdinand saying.
Rio Ferdinand and Pep Guardiola
Rio’s revelation came moments after a video emerged of Guardiola approaching the legendary defender after the match and pointing, seemingly, in an attempt to show that he was proven right.
Pep clashes with De Bruyne
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola clashed midway through the second half of Man City’s clash against Real Madrid.
The incident happened after the Belgian playmaker lost possession to Eder Millitao before turning to his manager, shouting in anger.
While it remains unclear what sparked the spat, it is believed De Bruyne was dissatisfied with the instructions shouted at him by Pep.
Even if he (Pep Guardiola) does not succeed in winning the Champions League, Pep Guardiola believes his legacy at Man City will be “amazing.”
But, City’s Kyle Walker believes the team owes it to their Abu Dhabi owners to eventually rule Europe.
City, who are poised to win their fifth Premier League championship in as many years, have not yet won the trophy they really desire in Pep’s seven years at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola
With their semi-final with Real Madrid poised at 1-1 ahead of the second leg, Guardiola said: “My legacy is exceptional already.
“I’ve been here many times already. The legacy is that we have had one hell of a time.
“For many years they will remember a generation of players who for five or six years scored lots of goals and conceded very few — won lots of things and won very well.
“People should remember that. It would be a good book.
“Whether or not they will remember us or not I don’t know but we have had a good time.”
However, Walker believes that after 12 consecutive years in the competition, it is high time they finally lifted the trophy.
Kyle Walker wants to win the Champions League for City’s owners
The defender said: “You have to just look over the road at United and what they have accomplished over a number of years.
“When you get compared to that team, they won countless titles.
“We’ve done five in six years, hopefully, if we can cross the line on this one.
“But the club is missing the Champions League and the owners and the amount of money they have pumped into this club and the investment they have done, we owe that to them.
“We got to the Champions League final against Chelsea and did not perform as well as we can.
“So we owe that to ourselves to get some revenge because we know it was below par in 2021.”
Victory over champs Real would leave Pep’s Treble chasers hot favourites to lift Europe’s big prize.
Guardiola added: “We’re not stupid, we know how important this game is.
“It is maybe one of the most important games since we came together here. We cannot deny that. For the competition, for the rival, for many things.”
Guardiola’s players battled back to earn a draw in the Bernabeu last week thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s stunner.
Kevin Debruyne
But Pep said: “My feeling is we have to play better than we did in Madrid.
“But all the players have to do is what we’ve done for many years.
“I’ve lost seven semi- finals out of ten. I’ve lost more than I’ve won, so there are many things you can’t control but my only wish is to be ourselves.”
The ex-Barca boss has been accused of causing City’s downfall in Europe by tinkering too much.
And he teased: “I have an idea that we could do something a bit differently but it’s nothing special.
“I’m not overthinking it, don’t worry guys, nothing different to what we’ve done, just more fluid and play a bit better.”
Last term, the Etihad clash saw City winning 4-3 in the first leg — before slipping up in Spain.
Guardiola added: “We’d like to have the game we had here last season, I’d sign for it right now but I don’t think it will happen.”
Pep Guardiola has expressed his concern over the scheduling clash caused by the Eurovision Song Contest, as Manchester City aims to maintain their Treble bid.
The Premier League leaders have an important away match against relegation-threatened Everton on Sunday, just three days before their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at home.
Guardiola would have preferred the game to be played on Saturday, but due to security reasons related to the Eurovision event in Liverpool city centre, it was not possible.
That means Real, who are out of contention for the LaLiga title and are in action on Saturday against Getafe, will have a day’s rest more than City heading into Wednesday’s encounter.
Guardiola said at a press conference: “My thought is just Everton, no more than that.
“Eleven months working for the Premier League, I don’t want to be distracted for Madrid because I won’t have time.
“Well, not much, because we play Sunday – thank you so much. I don’t understand it, but I don’t want to fight for that any more.
“We have to adapt to it. It doesn’t matter, I don’t fight any more the schedules.
“In the end we can’t play Saturday because of Eurovision or something like that in Liverpool and we don’t have enough bodies to handle two important events sometimes.
“OK, you have to adapt. What can I do? We’d prefer to play Saturday to be able to prepare but it is what it is.
Unlike Real, City will not want to ease up over the weekend as they look to keep Arsenal at bay in the title race.
City go into the weekend fixtures with a clear advantage, leading the Gunners by a point with a game in hand.
They could face a tough challenge against an Everton side fighting for survival and who claimed a significant victory by thrashing European hopefuls Brighton 5-1 in their last outing.
Real defender Dani Carvajal has suggested the intensity of City’s fixtures could benefit the Spanish side – who drew 1-1 with City in Tuesday’s first leg – but Guardiola is confident his players can stand up to the challenge.
He said: “Every player is ready to play and give his own absolute contribution.
“I thought a lot about a substitution in the Bernabeu. I decided on players on the bench that are so dynamic – Phil (Foden), Julian (Alvarez), Riyad (Mahrez).
“But in the moment we didn’t need that, we didn’t need a player to increase our rhythm.
“But everybody will be so important, we have a lot of games and everyone is ready.”
Erling Haaland received praise from Pep Guardiola for his performance against Real Madrid, although the Manchester City manager believes that the opposition’s setup hindered the Norwegian striker’s ability to play his usual game.
Despite Haaland being a goalscoring hero, he was unable to make much of an impact during the crucial first leg of the semi-finals, where Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant strike helped secure a 1-1 draw for City after Vinicius Jr had opened the scoring.
Antonio Rudiger, who defended against Haaland with great tenacity, kept the 22-year-old at bay for much of the match.
In fact, the 51-goal star was restricted to just 21 touches throughout the evening on Tuesday night. That was the least out of every player that started the contest at the Bernabeu, including both goalkeepers.
City keeper Ederson even made more passes than Haaland, registering 19 to the Norwegian’s 13.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola explained why his main man was marked out of the match, insisting that Real Madrid’s defensive plan worked a treat.
The ex-Barcelona manager said:“The pockets and distances between the central defender and full-backs was occupied.
“It was not easy for Erling. He moved well and had his chances.”
The Italian remarked: “Defensively we were good. Rudiger against Haaland did well and the midfield had control.
“The performance was good and we are happy. We have strong motivation for the next game.”
City will be thanking De Bruyne for getting themselves back in the contest in a relatively cagey affair despite the sheer quality on show at the Bernabeu.
Former Chelsea defender Rudiger had a good game against Haaland
It was his powerful strike that gave Thibaut Courtois no chance as he hammered one in from outside the area after being laid off by Ilkay Gundogan.
And speaking after the match, City teammate Rodri admitted that they were indebted to De Bruyne.
The Spaniard said: “He [Kevin de Bruyne] is a massive player for us. Always he has been great and he helped us in the moment we most needed it.
“We were suffering a bit because they were keeping the ball and with the goal he gave us the confidence to keep pushing. It is a good result for us.
“We knew no matter what happened here it would not be the end. At home, we will need the people to support us.”
That goal means the Premier League leaders have a slight advantage when they return to the Etihad, playing in front of their own fans.
But no one can rule out Real Madrid, a club that has won the Champions League 14 times – more than anyone else – and has a collective 29 Champions League medals in the dressing room.
Vinicius Jr proved that in the first-half when his rocket saw Rio Ferdinand lose the plot and break the deadlock.
There were other flashpoints including Ancelotti uncharacteristically losing his cool, Jack Grealish getting thrown into an advertising board and Toni Kroos escaping a red card.
All signs point towards a true classic at the Etihad next Wednesday where the winner will face either Inter or AC Milan in the final.
Pep Guardiola made a ‘baffling’ decision during Manchester City’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, according to Sergio Aguero.
The semi-final matchup between City and the defending champions took place on Tuesday, May 9, at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Marca, the European powerhouses agreed to a 1-1 draw in the thrilling match, leaving the tie wide open going into the second leg, which will be played at the Etihad Stadium.
During the first half, the hosts’ Vinicius Jr. scored a stunning goal to start the scoring before Kevin De Bruyne controversially equalised for City in the 66th minute.
Vinicius Jr opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half with a stunner before Kevin De Bruyne controversially equalised for City in the 66th minute.
Aguero hits out at Pep
Despite the encouraging result, Aguero was less impressed with a tactical decision made by Pep Guardiola during the match.
Sportbible reports that Guardiola did not make a single substitution in the Champions League match, a move that left Aguero baffled.
The City legend slammed his former manager for the decision, insisting his fellow countryman Julian Alvarez should have been given an opportunity to play.
“What I don’t understand is why he didn’t put Julián [Alvarez on]… I wonder, but well it’s Pep. He doesn’t marry anyone,” he said via @City_Xtra.
“If it was up to me, I’d play Julián in almost every game – we need him to be active and have a spark,” he added.
Fans mock Haaland
Earlier, Sports Brief reported a section of fans has taken to social media to mock Erling Haaland for allegedly going missing duringManchester City’s Champions League cracker against Real Madrid.
Haaland was part of City’s squad that settled for a 1-1 draw against the reigning champions in the first leg of the semi-final fixture staged at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
The Norwegian hotshot went into the clash off a fantastic run of form that had seen him score an eyewatering 51 goals across competitions.
City, who were heartbreakingly defeated by the Spanish giants in the semifinals a year ago, have a chance to atone this time around.
On Tuesday, the Bernabeu will host the first leg of their most recent match, and Guardiola is not thinking about the previous 12 months. Instead, he is focused on the game at hand.
The City manager said: “It was tough but we made an exceptional first game in Manchester and played a really good game here.
According to BBC, Ilkay Gundogan revealed that Pep Guardiola became furious in the locker room after Gundogan missed a penalty in Manchester City’s Premier League game against Leeds United.
Despite the miss, Gundogan went on to score two impressive goals in the first half, leading City to a crucial victory and extending their lead at the top of the table by four points.
The midfielder scored the opener with a neat finish after Riyadh Mahrez found him in space on the edge of the area before he doubled the advantage in the 27th minute.
Gundgogan had a chance to bag a hat-trick with six minutes left, only for the ex-Dortmund star to fluff the chance from the penalty spot.
Erling Haaland looked destined to step up to take the penalty but opted to hand the ball to his captain – much to the disappointment of Pep Guardiola.
The Man City boss was seen fuming on the touchline as he shouted ‘You’ve got to take it.’
Guardiola fumes at Gundogan
Express UK reports that Guardiola extended his fury to Gundogan in the dressing room as he took issue with the midfielder’s decision to take the penalty.
“First he (Guardiola) showed to Erling that he was quite mad about that and then also he had a go at me,” Gundogan disclosed.
“It is what it is at the end. The moment Erling grabbed the ball, I was sure he was going to take it but he looked out for me. I checked with him a few times to make sure he was sure. He was certain to hand the ball to me and I was confident to score,” he added.
The Norwegian international is on the verge of breaking the Premier League’s single-season goal record, having scored his 34th goal of the campaign in City’s recent 2-1 victory over Fulham.
Haaland’s incredible form has seen him join Andy Cole and Alan Shearer as the joint record holders for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season.
The 22-year-old’s goal at Craven Cottage was also his 50th of the season in all competitions, a feat that no Premier League player has achieved since the league’s rebranding in 1992.
Guardiola has been amazed by Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits this season, with the manager praising the striker’s talent and work ethic.
Pep Guardiola and striker Haaland
The Spaniard believes that Haaland’s performances have been a significant factor in City’s success this season and has hailed his impact on the team.
“It is a surprise for all of us — maybe not for him — to do what he’s doing in this difficult league but the way he behaves and has done it is for the success of the team,” he said.
“Of course it’s good for him and the team if he breaks the records. It’s a good sign.
“The magnitude of a record is because for a long time it was not broken. All records will be broken one day.
“I’m pretty sure he is going to score more goals in the Premier League until the end of the season.”
In-form City put themselves firmly in control of the title race with their 4-1 rout of Arsenal last week.
But, after being pushed hard by Fulham, Guardiola is not taking anything for granted ahead of City’s home game against West Ham on Wednesday.
“West Ham maybe didn’t do the season they expected but that doesn’t mean the quality is not there,” he said.
“In the last two seasons with David Moyes they have been exceptional.
“The weapons are there, they are a good team. I don’t have doubts about them. In one game anything can happen. We have to be absolutely ready.”
Haaland’s rise to stardom has been remarkable, with the striker establishing himself as one of the most lethal forwards in world football.
The Norwegian’s impressive performances have also attracted interest from other top European clubs, with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in signing him this summer.
However, City remain keen to keep hold of their prized asset and are expected to offer him a new contract in the coming months.
Despite his young age, Haaland has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the world, and his performances this season have put him in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or award.
The Norwegian’s incredible scoring feats have also led to speculation about his future, with a number of top European clubs reportedly interested in signing him.
Guardiola will be aware of the need to continue to develop Haaland’s game and help him reach his full potential, which could see him become one of the all-time greats of the game.
As City look to secure the Premier League title and progress in the Champions League, Guardiola will be hoping that Haaland can continue his remarkable scoring form and help lead the team to further success.
Haaland’s tremendous in-form has earned him comparisons with football’s GOAT (Greatest of All Time) like Messi and Ronaldo.
While Pep Guardiola stressed that Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Premier League rivals Arsenal was not decisive, he did admit that something significant had changed as a result of his team’s possession of the championship.
With the spectacular play of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland repeatedly breaking down the Arsenal defence, City made light of a match that had been long-billed as a high-stakes title match.
On a dominant night, City could have scored more than four goals, with Haaland scoring the last goal after twice setting up De Bruyne, who then assisted John Stones on a goal with a header.
Arsenal still ended the night top of the table, but their two-point advantage looks particularly vulnerable with a City side who have won seven in a row in the league boasting two games in hand.
“It was an important game, not decisive but important,” Guardiola said.
“We played very good. I know the opponent we played. They’re still top, I know it sounds naive what I’m saying but we are still behind. We are still there.”
With the exception of a few days in February after City won 3-1 at the Emirates, Arsenal have topped the Premier League table since the third week of the season.
City have been playing catch up all along with Guardiola calling Arsenal the favourites for the title, but this result convinced the Catalan he and his side are finally in the stronger position.
“Absolutely (I prefer) my position because now it’s in our hands,” he said.
“I would love that these two games are six points but you have to win them, but I prefer it because it depends on us.
“Until today, I prefer the position in the Premier League of Arsenal because if Arsenal had beaten us it’s in their hands. But now it is in our hands.”
For Arsenal this was a fourth straight game without a win, with the Gunners appearing to wilt just as City turn up the heat.
Mikel Arteta admitted his side were second best on the night and might now end up second best in the league, but refused to admit defeat in a title race his side still lead, at least for now.
“The analysis is clear,” Arteta said. “The better team won the game. They were probably at their best, especially in the first half, and we were nowhere near our level. When that happens the gap becomes too big.
“The first 30 minutes all the basic things you have to do against an exceptional team in terms of competing, winning duels, understanding what the game requires, we didn’t do it and we were punished.
“The stats said Arsenal were going to finish sixth or seventh and we are where we are with five games to go. Those players deserve a lot of credit after nine-and-a-half months being here. And there are still five games to play.
“In 22 years in this country I’ve seen a lot of things and there are not two equal games in this league.”
Arsenal have five games remaining and Arteta admitted they would need to win them all – something that would put them on 90 points – to take the challenge to City.
“We first have to lift the players up tonight because they suffer and it was difficult to swallow,” he said.
“Do everything we have done so well in the next match to earn the right to win it. That’s where we have to start.”
Table-topping Arsenal leads Manchester City by five points, but City has two games in hand and is now in charge of their own fate as they try to win the title.
Arteta joined City as Guardiola’s assistant coach in 2016, but left to become the head coach of the Arsenal in 2019.
Ahead of tonight’s potential title decider, we turn the spotlight on the battle between managerial master and an apprentice who has been leading the way this season.
Bogey side
Arteta’s Arsenal have lost all six of their previous league games against City.
They are the only side that the 41-year-old’s team have failed to beat in the competition since he became manager of the North Londoners.
Of the six defeats, three have come at City’s Etihad Stadium, with the hosts keeping a clean sheet on every occasion.
In the reverse fixture at the Emirates this season, Guardiola’s side took charge in the second half, overpowering their rivals in a 3-1 victory.
In addition, the two teams have met three times in cups. The first occasion was the one match in which Arteta’s Arsenal have triumphed over City, beating them 2-0 in the 2019-20 FA Cup semi-finals.
The Gunners have lost the two subsequent cup ties. They were defeated 4-1 at home in the 2020-21 Carabao Cup quarter-finals and were knocked out of the FA Cup this season, in a 1-0 away loss.
In the summer, Liverpool plans to make a bid for Manchester Citymisfit Kalvin Phillips.
After spending £45 million to transfer from Leeds to the Premier League champions last summer, Phillips, 27, has had trouble making an impression under Pep Guardiola.
Jurgen Klopp may consider the England midfielder as a replacement as the Reds appear to be priced out of a deal for Jude Bellingham in the upcoming months.
The Daily Star say that the Anfield boss is desperate to rebuild his squad for the 2023-24 campaign and the 26-cap international would bring some much-needed stability to the Reds’ engine room.
With just seven league appearances this season, Phillips is said to be keen on a fresh start this summer after being frozen out of the squad by Guardiola after the World Cup.
Injuries and a lack of match fitness have not helped the midfielder’s case at the Etihad — the Yorkshireman underwent shoulder surgery back in September which kept him out until the tournament in Qatar.
But with City almost certain to be in the running to sign Bellingham among other stars during the transfer window, Phillips’ departure may be best for all parties.
The report suggests that the Manchester club would demand a fee in the region of £35m for a player that Guardiola openly criticised earlier in the season for being overweight.
Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne scored the eighth Premier League goal of the year, and Pep Guardiola praised their “special connection” after the game.
The two played a crucial role in City’s 3-1 victory over mediocre Leicester City on Saturday.
Haaland equaled Mohamed Salah’s record for the most goals in a season (38 games) by scoring twice to bring his league total to 32.
His second goal came when he latched onto a precise De Bruyne throughball, marking the eighth time the Belgium international has teed up a Haaland strike in the top flight this term.
That is one off the joint record of nine, shared by Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min and ex-Liverpool forwards Stan Collymore and Robbie Fowler.
“I think the connection between Erling and Kevin is obvious,” Guardiola said. “I think Kevin needs the runners to do his biggest quality.
“Erling needs an assist player to make his positive runs. It’s a natural way. We talk a lot about ‘take a look at him when he runs and put the ball there’.
“But what I like about that second goal is Kevin won the duel. I love that. He won the duel and after that, the run and finish from Erling was fantastic.”
De Bruyne’s eight assists to Haaland is three more than any other Premier League player has managed to a team-mate this term, with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes having set up Marcus Rashford on five occasions.
Victory over Leicester, combined with Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against West Ham, means City are just four points off the Gunners with a game in hand.
The title rivals will meet on April 26, in what looks set to be the decisive clash.
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are now playing knockout football as they continue to chase Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
The champions kept up the pressure on the leaders with a comfortable 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Leicester at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
City now turn their attention to the Champions League and FA Cup in the coming week but their next Premier League outing will be their crunch home clash against the Gunners on April 26.
“It is a ‘final’ to play more finals,” City manager Guardiola said. “If we lose this game, it will be almost over.
“It was important to arrive in the position that we spoke about a month ago, that hopefully we could arrive at the game against Arsenal and have the chance to be close to them.
“We wanted this opportunity, knowing how difficult it will be, but first we have the Champions League and the semi-final of the FA Cup.”
City were soon into their stride against the struggling Foxes, who endured a tough afternoon in new manager Dean Smith’s first match in charge.
John Stones opened the scoring with a stunning strike after just five minutes and the prolific Erling Haaland added a quickfire double to all but put the result beyond doubt inside 25 minutes.
Haaland has now scored 32 Premier League goals, equalling the individual record for a 38-game season in the competition, and the overall best tally of 34 is now well within reach.
He made way at half-time and Kelechi Iheanacho pulled one back and hit the post as Leicester rallied late on, with James Maddison also going close, but City were not to be denied. They will now head into next week’s big fixtures in good heart.
Guardiola’s side first travel to Germany looking to secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals after beating Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first leg of their tie last week. They then head to Wembley to tackle Championship Sheffield United in the FA Cup.
Leicester’s predicament, in the bottom three after nine games without a win, is stark but Smith feels he has enough to work with.
He said: “A lot of very good teams have lost by more than a two-goal deficit here.
“Our season was never going to be defined by coming to the Etihad.
“We showed a lot of character. There are good players in our dressing room and they’ve shown in the last 25 minutes they’re good characters as well.
“We’ve come in and lifted the confidence a bit. I saw a lethargy last week against Bournemouth but I didn’t see that here.”
In order to catch title challengers Arsenal,Pep Guardiola has cautioned his Manchester City players that they cannot afford to lose against Leicester.
City joined the six points train of Premier League leaders Arsenal last week after the Gunners’ 2-2 draw at Liverpool but they face a potential banana skin on Saturday against struggling Leicester in Dean Smith’s first match since succeeding Brendan Rodgers.
Guardiola said they have to treat every match from now until the end of the season as a do-or-die fixture.
“The only impact I believe is the fact that everyone knows that if we lose it is over. It is the best way to compete. This is when you have the best,” Guardiola told a news conference. “I have doubts that experience. I need more years like [Roy] Hodgson.
The reality is we are six points behind no guarantee we will win the games ahead. There is no team better than Brighton in modern football. Arsenal is no guarantee. We need to win our games, that is the reality. At the end of the games we will see the reality.”
City will win the league if they win their remaining nine matches and Guardiola stressed they have little margin for error as Arsenal have just the league to focus on, while his side are gunning for a treble of the title, FA Cup and Champions League.
“Everyone knows if we lose those games we will not win the title that is why our intentions and details are higher.
It is the same tomorrow, if we lose the game we will not be champions,” Guardiola added. “If we win we could still be there because we cannot forget we are six points behind Arsenal a team that has dropped few points throughout the season and play one game a week with a lot of time to recover, analyse.
It will be difficult to win and drop points, that is why we have to be there as much as possible.”
City play against Leicester on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium before travelling to Germany for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.
Thomas Tuchel has adopted a combative attitude regarding Bayern Munich’s chances of reaching the Champions League semifinals.
In the opening leg of their Champions League quarterfinal match, Tuchel watched helplessly as Bayern Munich was dismantled by a ruthless Manchester City team.
Before goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland in the second half gave the Citizens a commanding advantage going into the rematch in Munich, Bayern’s resistance was finally broken by a beautiful curling shot from Rodri, according to Eurosport.
Reflecting on the result, Tuchel, who was handling his fourth game since replacing Julian Nagelsmann as Bayern boss, argued his side were unlucky.
“It will not be over until we are in the shower.” The 49-year-old tactician highlighted Rodri’s goal as the catalyst for their misfortune on Tuesday night. “If City gets this sort of goal, it gets really, really difficult,” said the Bayern boss.
“The reaction was great during the first half. In the second half, it was even better. In the period where the goal could give us a huge boost of confidence, the opposite happened.”
Talking points from Bayern’s loss
It was reported that Manchester City versus Bayern Munich was definitely the pick of the quarterfinal ties, and the game did live up to its billing.
With a semifinal spot up for grabs,Pep Guardiola’s charges produced a masterclass performance to keep their search for the Champions League alive.
The overwhelming result shifts the game in favour of Man City ahead of the reverse tie at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday.
The Citizens easily defeated Germany by a score of 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, and they will have the upper hand when the teams meet again.
Before the halfway point, Spanish ace Rodri unleashed a breathtaking left-footed shot into the top corner to start the scoring.
But it was Silva’s rare headed goal that was even more unexpected as he doubled City’s advantage, with Erling Haaland adding a third shortly after.
The 28-year-old was given the nod over Riyad Mahrez, who had started in the last two Premier League matches and his contributions were of the highest class at the Etihad.
After the game, his manager could not help but rave about the midfielder, who had the beating of Alphonso Davies all night.
He said: “He is one of the best players I have trained in my life. He’s special.
“Bernardo Silva is a football player. What does it mean? He will play everywhere because he understands the game. Bernardo has the ability to read.
“But Bernardo is such an important player in these type of games. He can play holding midfield, false nine, he scores recently a lot of goals.
“He is a player if you say play in this position, he understands everything.”
It may have looked like a comfortable night for the hosts, but Guardiola insists that he is “emotionally destroyed” after such a tough match.
He said: “It was not comfortable. I’m emotionally destroyed. I’ve aged 10 more years today.
“It was such a demanding game. Now I have to relax, a day off for the guys, then prepare for Leicester.
“I knew exactly what we had to do. If you don’t perform really well, Bayern are able to score one, two or three.
“It’s an incredible result, but we have to play our game with a huge, huge personality over there.
“I know what this win means, but we’re going there to score goals and to try to win the game.”
As both managers gear up for critical matches in the Champions League quarterfinals,Pep Guardiola and Luciano Spalletti have ramped up their verbal spat.
Guardiola initially complimented Napoli quietly for the enormous achievements they have made this season, but now the two teams are constantly exchanging punches.
The Partenopei are close to winning their first Scudetto in more than 30 years, as the Manchester City manager earlier complimented.
What Spalletti said about Guardiola
However, as Sports Brief reported, Spalletti slammed Guardiola for his remarks by claiming that it is often a tactic of the Spanish boss to rattle other teams.
When asked if he was proud of the comments made by the Manchester City coach, the Florence-born manager retorted:
“No, I’m not proud. It doesn’t make me proud. It’s a game to put pressure on the rest. We all know it already,” he said, as quoted by Marca. “How are you going to put a team that invested 9 million euros ahead of a team that spent 900 million?
It’s a little game to say we’ll put you there and then you’re sure to fall.”
Guardiola’s response to Spalletti
Speaking ahead of his side’s UCL game against Bayern Munich, Guardiola declined to talk about Napoli, claiming Spalletti was being sensitive.
“I don’t want to talk about Napoli because the manager will be grumpy with me,” he quipped, as quoted by Football Italia.
Guardiola and Spalletii can only face off in the finals. Napoli play AC Milan, looking to offer an instant response after the stinging 4-0 loss after the international break.
&w=707&quality=100)
&w=707&quality=100)
&w=707&quality=100)
&w=707&quality=100)
