The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Guardiola

  • Foden rallies City teammates for under-pressure Guardiola

    Foden rallies City teammates for under-pressure Guardiola

    Phil Foden insists Manchester City’s players still believe in Pep Guardiola despite the painful loss against Manchester United that extended their dismal streak.

    Guardiola’s side have lost eight of their past 11 games in all competitions following the devastating 2-1 defeat in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

    Unhinged by the kind of dismal defending that has become a regular feature of their stunning decline, City conceded twice in the closing minutes as United dealt another blow to the Premier League champions’ fading hopes of a fifth successive title.

    Fifth-placed City are trailing nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and have already suffered five league defeats this season – after enduring just three in the whole of the last top-flight campaign.

    Guardiola said after the game that he is “not good enough” as the worst crisis of his managerial career deepened.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Ademola Lookman wins 2024 African Footballer of the Year Award

    But City forward Foden is adamant the Spaniard, who recently signed a new two-year contract, retains the support of his beleaguered squad.

    “We are still nowhere near our level, but I still believe that we are playing good enough to get points and results,” he said. “It’s about remaining focused throughout the full 90 minutes, but we keep switching off at important times. We just need to get the focus right.

     “We stick together, regroup and believe in ourselves after what we’ve achieved in the past.

     “We keep believing in the process and the manager – I’m sure if we do that we will get back to winning ways and get back to our level.”

    City desperately need to find a winning formula ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

    Foden admitted he is baffled by City’s remarkable fall from grace, with the damage to the team’s morale clear to him in the dressing room after the derby defeat.

    “I can’t put a finger on what’s going on,” Foden said. “I thought the performance was more than good enough to get the result, but we come out with no points, and it seems to be the same story at the moment. We just have to stick together.

     “The changing room is obviously going to be down and sad at the moment, but we can’t dwell on this too much.”

    After facing Villa, Guardiola’s team host Everton on December 26 before visiting Leicester in their last game of 2024.

    With the busy festive season looming, Foden urged his teammates to stick together.

     “It’s about keeping our mentality strong throughout the whole 90 minutes and we’re not doing that at the moment,” he said.

     “We have to go again and show character to come back from this blip.

    “It’s not a time for moaning, it’s about sticking together, remaining strong and going again. I’m positive we are going to come back.”

  • UCL: Guardiola upbeat despite Man City’s slump

    UCL: Guardiola upbeat despite Man City’s slump

    Guardiola believes  Manchester City can still achieve “very good things” this season despite their alarming run of five straight defeats.

    City host Dutch side Feyenoord in the Champions League tonight, chasing their first win in any competition since late October, but Guardiola remains bullish.

     “I have the feeling that this season we will do very good things,” he told his pre-match press conference. “I don’t give up and I have the feeling we will be there.”

     “You are defending a legacy, a tradition, a success that is so difficult to handle,” he added.

     “So, that’s why I relax. If we don’t do it, we don’t do it. It’s just to try to focus in the short period of time and win the next games.

     “So, what I want is a commitment.”

    City are already eight points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League title race, with a trip to Anfield looming next weekend.

    They are 10th  in the Champions League standings after two wins, a draw and a defeat in their opening four matches, and out of the League Cup.

    But Guardiola said he had no intention of changing his methods, which have brought the club four straight Premier League titles and the Champions League crown in 2023.

     “I want the players in certain departments to be more focused. What do we have to do?” he said.

     “And step by step, we come back. This too shall pass. Life is like that. When you think it’s perfect, you are wrong. It’s going to rain tomorrow. So, it’s life.”

    He added: “Right now, the most important thing is not tactics, it is to win a game on desire.

     “You look at December and at the end of the season, whether you need to change things and be more solid, but these guys will do very, very good things.”

    Guardiola has been dealing with a lengthy injury list, including midfield playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who was out for many weeks after picking up a niggle in mid-September.

    The Belgian, who has made three substitute performances since his return to action earlier this month, said it had been frustrating watching the side struggle.

     “I can help the team but you can only do so much from the side,” he said. “It’s frustrating because I know if I was feeling good I could help the team but I wasn’t able to do that.”

    De Bruyne, 33, said the squad was determined to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

     “It’s been a bit chaotic I would say. I’ve seen so many people around the medical area, sports science, (you wonder) who’s playing who is not playing,” he said. “There were people who shouldn’t be playing but they did anyway with injuries.”

  • ‘I will be here’ – Guardiola’s relegation promise to Man City

    ‘I will be here’ – Guardiola’s relegation promise to Man City

    Pep Guardiola says he will stand by Manchester City even if they are relegated over alleged breaches of financial rules – and claimed “75%” of rival clubs want to see them go down.

    Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension that would keep him at City until 2027.

    The 53-year-old has committed his future to the club even though no decision is expected around the 115 Premier League charges City are facing until early next year.

    City deny any wrongdoing but sanctions in the event of a guilty verdict could range from a huge fine to points deductions or even relegation.

    Guardiola said 12 months ago he would manage them in League One if he had to.

    He repeated the sentiment on Friday before the Premier League encounter with Tottenham.

    “I said that six months ago. You have my interviews,” he said.

    “I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong and people say ‘what happens if we are relegated?’ I will be here.

    “I don’t know the position they are going to bring us, the Conference? [But] next year we will come up and come up and come back to the Premier League.

    Read Also: Guardiola signs two-year extension with Manchester City

    “I knew it then, I feel it now.”

    However, Guardiola said the issue was not in his thoughts when he decided to extend his stay, and repairing the damage of four straight defeats for the first time in his managerial career was more pressing.

    “I read something about the situation and how you need to be relegated immediately,” he added.

    “Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff. But I don’t live with it, I live with the four defeats, what I have to do. There are lawyers on both sides. I don’t think about it.”

  • Guardiola signs two-year extension with Manchester City

    Guardiola signs two-year extension with Manchester City

    Pep Guardiola has extended his contract as Manchester City manager for a further two seasons, the Premier League champions announced on Thursday.

    The 53-year-old Spaniard would have been out of contract on July 1 next year, but has now agreed a new two-year contract extension.

    Guardiola’s decision to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium is a boost to City as they wait to discover if they will be punished after being charged with 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules – charges the club deny completely.

    Read Also: AFCON 2025: Ghana, Togo, other teams that failed to qualify

    Guardiola took charge at City in 2016 and has since led them to six Premier League titles, with the last four coming in succession – an English record.

    He led City to a league, FA Cup and Champions League treble in 2023, while the club also won the League Cup four years in a row under him between 2018 and 2021.

    Guardiola, who previously enjoyed a trophy-laden career as a player and coach at Barcelona before taking charge of German giants Bayern Munich, said: “Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together.

    “I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.”

  • EPL: Guardiola loses four in a row for first time as manager

    EPL: Guardiola loses four in a row for first time as manager

    Pep Guardiola fell to a fourth successive defeat for the first time in his managerial career as Brighton came from behind to beat his Manchester City side.

    It is the first time since 2006 that City have lost four in a row.

    The Premier League champions looked on course to end their disappointing sequence when Erling Haaland capped an impressive opening at Amex Stadium in the 23rd minute, scoring at the second attempt from Mateo Kovacic’s pass.

    Read Also: Guardiola defends Rodri’s Ballon d’Or choice

    Brighton, however, held their nerve, taking complete control after the break – and it was only their poor finishing that prevented them drawing level before substitute Joao Pedro pounced in a scramble 12 minutes from time.

    City, who had looked increasingly vulnerable, were on the rack and Brighton took a deserved lead when Matt O’Riley, who has been out injured since his debut following a move from Celtic, burst through an exposed defence to beat keeper Ederson five minutes later.

    Brighton earned the reward after passing up a number of chances, with Jack Hinshelwood heading straight at Ederson from point-blank range and Georginio Rutter also missing a golden opportunity before City crumbled under the constant pressure.

    BBC

  • Man City face injury ’emergency’, says Guardiola

    Man City face injury ’emergency’, says Guardiola

    Pep Guardiola says Manchester City face an “emergency” in certain positions as he grapples with a punishing injury list ahead of  today’s trip to Bournemouth.

    City went into Wednesday’s League Cup tie at Tottenham without six first-team players, with Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish all sidelined.

    They lost defender Manuel Akanji with a calf issue in the warm-up and forward Savinho was taken off on a stretcher midway through the second half with what appeared to be a swollen ankle.

    Read Also:Guardiola backs Foden to bounce from slump

    City manager Guardiola said after the 2-1 defeat that he had just 13 senior players available – the team ended the match in London with a clutch of academy graduates on the pitch.

    Speaking at his pre-match press conference , Guardiola, whose team are one point clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, said he had “many doubts” ahead of the Bournemouth game.

     “We have a lot (of injuries) in certain departments and certain positions, but it is what it is,” he said.

  • Guardiola backs Foden to bounce from slump

    Guardiola backs Foden to bounce from slump

    Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden is set to emerge from his slump after the Manchester City forward admitted he has been suffering from burnout.

    Foden was a key figure in City’s Premier League title triumph last season, scoring 27 goals in all competitions to earn the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year award.

    The 24-year-old has struggled to recapture that dynamic form this season and has started only one league game so far.

    Foden revealed he has felt fatigued after his draining role in City’s title success was immediately followed by England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

    With little time to rest, he has been a shadow of himself after playing 69 games for club and country last term.

    But Guardiola hopes his second goal this season in Wednesday’s 5-0 rout of Sparta Prague in the Champions League was a sign he is finally getting back in the groove.

     “I’m not concerned at all about how long it takes. When he is fine he will get it. He is a natural, incredible talent who solves the game for himself,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

    Read Also: NFF partners UBEC for African Schools Football Championship 

    “In a career with many years already for Phil you have these bumps, these ups and downs. You try to make them smaller.

    “In the game against Sparta, the first goal showed he figured it out. They are human beings, try to be patient. Let them know we are with them.”

    Guardiola needs Foden at his best as forwards Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku have been ruled out of  today’s clash against Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

    Kevin De Bruyne will also miss this weekend’s game, with Guardiola uncertain how long it will be before the Belgium midfielder is back in action.

    De Bruyne, who has battled fitness issues for much of the past year, has been sidelined since coming off with a groin injury against Inter Milan on September 18.

     “Hopefully he comes back soon, I don’t know yet,” said Guardiola. “I’d like to tell you but I don’t know. I’m sorry.”

    As City try to keep pace with leaders Liverpool, while also competing in the Champions League and League Cup, Guardiola has to find a way to keep his players motivated for more mundane fixtures such as the visit from second-bottom Southampton.

    The Spaniard conceded he would prefer to play a rival from the top half of the table immediately after a Champions League game to ensure the team remain fully focused.

     “After Champions League games, I prefer to play teams who are better in the table because you focus more and not look at that. But it is what it is,” he said.

     “They have the courage to play and are brave with the ball. Wolves were at the bottom and we struggled to win.”

    Second-placed City have been boosted by the impressive form of 20-year-old Brazilian forward Savinho.

     “What I like is he wants to be the best on the pitch, he has courage,” Guardiola said.

     “He is a young guy but he is here to be a really good player. That defines the very best. It aligns with the club’s ambitions and he will get it.”

  • Guardiola won’t stop defending Man City amid financial probe

    Guardiola won’t stop defending Man City amid financial probe

    Pep Guardiola insists he will always defend Manchester City from accusations of financial misconduct because of his trust in the club’s owners and his love affair with their fans.

    City are fighting 115 charges relating to alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules in an ongoing hearing that has been labelled sport’s “trial of the century”.

    The English champions deny any wrongdoing, claiming they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to clear their name as they battle to avoid a potential points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League.

    A verdict from the independent commission is not expected until 2025, but Guardiola is repeatedly asked awkward questions about the case.

    It is a challenge the 53-year-old is happy to handle because of his belief in City’s Abu Dhabi-based owners and an unbreakable bond with the club he joined in 2016.

     “I’m part of this club, deep inside of my bones. I am the manager, the person at the club who talks more through all the media, to send messages to fans,” Guardiola told reporters. “And, of course I am going to defend my club, I trust them, the owner, the chairman, the CEO, and all the people working here, for many, many years.

    Read Also: Mid-term scorecard: More knocks than kudos for Gusau-led NFF 

     “I know them quite well, much more than any of you. Of course there are situations in the eight and nine years, some of them expected, some of them more tough to deal with. No complaints. You do what you have to do.”

    Guardiola’s rapport with City fans has become mutual during a golden era featuring six Premier League titles, the club’s maiden Champions League crown and numerous other trophies.

    As well as the silverware, Guardiola’s steadfast defence of the club’s reputation has struck a chord with supporters.

    One group of City fans have paid for a banner, with a message in Catalan asking Guardiola to extend his stay at the club, that will be unveiled during Saturday’s home game against Fulham.

  • EPL: Guardiola says he’s been provoked into bigger Arsenal rivalry

    EPL: Guardiola says he’s been provoked into bigger Arsenal rivalry

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he’s been provoked into a more intense rivalry with Arsenal as the fallout continues from their Premier League clash at Etihad Stadium last weekend.

    Sunday’s 2-2 draw between the title rivals saw several flashpoints, including City striker Erling Haaland throwing the ball at the head of Gunners defender Gabriel.

    Following the match City’s John Stones and Kyle Walker said the Gunners used the “dark arts” while trying to protect their 2-1 half-time lead. Substitute Stones scrambled a leveller in the eighth minute of added time.

    Speaking on Friday, Guardiola said: “You want a war? Now we war.

    Read Also: Rodri out of the season, Guardiola confirms

    “Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match, so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, to push them, and at the end, what can you do? You provoke me, OK, I’m there.”

    Brazilian centre-back Gabriel had said after the game: “It’s a battle, a war, so it’s normal to have provocative acts in football, it’s part of the game. Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground.”

  • ‘I didn’t say I was leaving’ – Guardiola undecided on future

    ‘I didn’t say I was leaving’ – Guardiola undecided on future

    Pep Guardiola says he could stay at Manchester City beyond the end of the season.

    Manager Guardiola’s contract expires at the end of the coming campaign.

    In the aftermath of City’s historic fourth successive Premier League title success, Guardiola raised doubts over his own future when he said he was “closer to leaving than staying”.

    The Spaniard has been in charge of City for eight seasons and has won the league on six occasions, part of an overall 17-trophy haul.

    Speaking to reporters in New York ahead of City’s pre-season encounter with AC Milan at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Guardiola said nothing had been decided.

    “I didn’t say I was leaving,” he said.

    “Nine years at the same club is an eternity. I don’t rule out extending the contract. I want to be sure it is the right decision for the club and the players.

    “When I decide, I will talk with my CEO and sporting director. But I want to start the season, and look at how everything is going and how connected we are. After, we will see.”

    Guardiola said he hopes to be in charge for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, to be held in the United States next summer, but was not sure about the tournament itself, which is at the centre of a dispute between world governing body Fifa and the major players’ unions.

    City could end up playing 75 matches across the season, starting with the Community Shield with Manchester United at Wembley on 10 August and potentially ending in the Club World Cup final in the United States on 13 July.

    Striker Erling Haaland says it is impossible for any player to be fresh for so many matches.

    “It is difficult to be sharp if you play 70 games a year,” Haaland said.

    “You could see at the Euros how tired people will be. Some will get a lot of vacation. You have to work with the people around you to be the best version of yourself.”

    Read Also: Guardiola rules out Saudi move for Bruyne

    Not that Guardiola seemed to have much sympathy for the Norwegian.

    Guardiola allowed the City players involved in the Copa America and Euro 2024 latter stages to choose when they returned to pre-season training because he did not want them coming back exhausted.

    Norway, for whom Haaland plays, failed to qualify for the Euros.

    “Has to rest more,” said Guardiola of Haaland. “If he is tired, go to bed early. Tired is an excuse.”