Liverpool have a gilt-edged chance to inflict a hammer blow on Manchester City's hopes of a third successive<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-fa-overturn-spurs-striker-sons-red-card-for-tackle-on-evertons-gomes-260237"> Premier League</a> crown in a seismic clash at Anfield on Sunday but failure to do so could revive bitter memories.

Rewind to the third day of the year at the Etihad Stadium and Liverpool were in a similar position of strength.

Victory then would have shot them 10 points clear. They lost a frenetic clash 2-1, however, and City relentlessly reeled them in to win an epic title race with 98 points to Liverpool's 97.

This time Liverpool are at home, and victory would put them nine points clear. It feels like a chance they cannot afford to pass up as they seek a first league title since 1990.

"With a deficit like that,&nbsp;even in mid-November,&nbsp;Pep Guardiola knows he would have a mountain to climb to win the Premier League," former England striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer said this week.

Third-placed Leicester City welcome fifth-placed Arsenal on Saturday after fourth-placed Chelsea take on Crystal Palace but all eyes will be focussed on the showdown on Merseyside.

Rarely does a fixture, especially one played as early in the season, justify the hype but such is the quality and reliability of Liverpool and City, the consequences of the result are difficult to play down.

Liverpool have seemingly forgotten how to lose. They are unbeaten in 28 league matches since losing to City and at Anfield they have not lost in the league since April 2017.

Yet neither side have been quite at their best of late, relying on the never-say-die attitude that has become as important a weapon as their fearsome forward lines.

Both clawed back 1-0 deficits with late goals to claim 2-1 victories last weekend. City trailed Southampton before Sergio Aguero and Kyle Walker turned it around.

Liverpool cut it even finer. They trailed Aston Villa until the 87th minute before goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane clinched a victory which means they have a little more margin for error this weekend.

"What Liverpool have is an incredible quality to fight right until the end," Guardiola said ahead of his side's Champions League clash away to Atalanta on Wednesday,&nbsp;24 hours after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Liverpool beat Genk</a> 2-1 at Anfield.

"Good teams keep going. They wear you down, they have that belief," Shearer said this week. "It happened to Man United under Alex Ferguson all those years ago, it's not a coincidence they scored all those late goals."

Guardiola spiced it up this week with comments claiming Liverpool's Mane was prone to diving. Klopp retaliated saying City had perfected "tactical fouling".

The talking will stop on Sunday, however, when England's finest two sides do battle.

"Both teams will try to win the game," Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum said. "We're both in good shape. I think they are worried about us, we have players to hurt them. But they have players to hurt us. It's a game we need to win."

While talk of two-horse races is merited, City could actually be fourth come kickoff if Leicester beat Arsenal and Chelsea beat Palace on Saturday. Sixth-placed Sheffield United are also threatening to gatecrash the European places and travel to a Tottenham side without a win in four league games.

A Midlands derby provides the appetiser for Sunday's Anfield feast with Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting Aston Villa while Manchester United take on Brighton.

Liverpool have a gilt-edged chance to inflict a hammer blow on Manchester City's hopes of a third successive Premier League crown in a seismic clash at Anfield on Sunday but failure to do so could revive bitter memories.

Liverpool have a gilt-edged chance to inflict a hammer blow on Manchester City's hopes of a third successive Premier League crown in a seismic clash at Anfield on Sunday but failure to do so could revive bitter memories. Rewind to the third day of the year at the Etihad Stadium and Liverpool were in a similar position of strength. Victory then would have shot them 10 points clear. They lost a frenetic clash 2-1, however, and City relentlessly reeled them in to win an epic title race with 98 points to Liverpool's 97. This time Liverpool are at home, and victory would put them nine points clear. It feels like a chance they cannot afford to pass up as they seek a first league title since 1990. "With a deficit like that, even in mid-November, Pep Guardiola knows he would have a mountain to climb to win the Premier League," former England striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer said this week. Third-placed Leicester City welcome fifth-placed Arsenal on Saturday after fourth-placed Chelsea take on Crystal Palace but all eyes will be focussed on the showdown on Merseyside. Rarely does a fixture, especially one played as early in the season, justify the hype but such is the quality and reliability of Liverpool and City, the consequences of the result are difficult to play down. Liverpool have seemingly forgotten how to lose. They are unbeaten in 28 league matches since losing to City and at Anfield they have not lost in the league since April 2017. Yet neither side have been quite at their best of late, relying on the never-say-die attitude that has become as important a weapon as their fearsome forward lines. Both clawed back 1-0 deficits with late goals to claim 2-1 victories last weekend. City trailed Southampton before Sergio Aguero and Kyle Walker turned it around. Liverpool cut it even finer. They trailed Aston Villa until the 87th minute before goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane clinched a victory which means they have a little more margin for error this weekend. "What Liverpool have is an incredible quality to fight right until the end," Guardiola said ahead of his side's Champions League clash away to Atalanta on Wednesday, 24 hours after Liverpool beat Genk 2-1 at Anfield. "Good teams keep going. They wear you down, they have that belief," Shearer said this week. "It happened to Man United under Alex Ferguson all those years ago, it's not a coincidence they scored all those late goals." Guardiola spiced it up this week with comments claiming Liverpool's Mane was prone to diving. Klopp retaliated saying City had perfected "tactical fouling". The talking will stop on Sunday, however, when England's finest two sides do battle. "Both teams will try to win the game," Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum said. "We're both in good shape. I think they are worried about us, we have players to hurt them. But they have players to hurt us. It's a game we need to win." While talk of two-horse races is merited, City could actually be fourth come kickoff if Leicester beat Arsenal and Chelsea beat Palace on Saturday. Sixth-placed Sheffield United are also threatening to gatecrash the European places and travel to a Tottenham side without a win in four league games. A Midlands derby provides the appetiser for Sunday's Anfield feast with Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting Aston Villa while Manchester United take on Brighton.

Premier League: Liverpool sense chance to leave City in their wake

Pep Guardiola saluted the "extraordinary" Raheem Sterling after Manchester City's majestic winger hit a brilliant 11-minute hat-trick in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of Atalanta.

Guardiola's side was rocked by Ruslan Malinovsky's first-half penalty in the Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

But City responded superbly as Sergio Aguero struck twice before the interval.

Sterling had provided the assists for both of Aguero's goals, but the England star was just getting warmed up.

After the interval, Sterling struck three times to complete a personal masterclass that underlined his rise in the Guardiola era from enigmatic playmaker to lethal finisher.

Sterling has emerged as City's driving force over the last 18 months and his second hat-trick of the season confirmed his place among the world's best players.

"All the credit is for him. He's a guy whose physicality is incredible. He is so strong," Guardiola said.

"A day after a game, he could play another. His regeneration is incredible and he can play both sides. He is an extraordinary player."

Asked if the 24-year-old could get even better, Guardiola added: "It depends on him, his desire, and I think he has that."

The only frustration for Guardiola was a late red card for young midfielder Phil Foden.

"He will learn. He will know after one yellow card the need to be more careful," Guardiola said.

City's third successive Group C victory leaves them top of the table, five points clear of second-placed Dinamo Zagreb with three games left.

"It was an incredible effort because they have a lot of quality. That is why I am so satisfied with the result," Guardiola added.

"Three more points in the next game and we will be in the next stage."

Atalanta, making their Champions League debut this season, are still searching for their first point after a third consecutive defeat.

Guardiola had called on City to show they have the mentality to conquer the "little margins" needed to win the Champions League for the first time.

This was the perfect response as they recovered from falling behind in the 28th minute.

For the second successive game, Guardiola had responded to City's defensive injury problems by deploying midfielders Fernandinho and Rodri as his two centre-backs.

Sterling sparkles

It was an uncomfortable arrangement and when Josip Ilicic advanced into the City area, Fernandinho rashly stuck out a leg to trip the Atalanta winger and concede a penalty.

Malinovsky sent Ederson the wrong way with the spot-kick as City conceded their first goal in this season's tournament.

That blow woke City from their slumber and Aguero made up for his earlier miss with the 34th-minute equaliser.

Sterling deserved much of the credit for a penetrating run and delicate cross that allowed Aguero to peel off his marker for a clinical close-range finish.

City had their rhythm back and Sterling was the catalyst again when they took the lead in the 38th minute.

Surging into the Atalanta area at pace, Sterling was clearly tripped by Andrea Masiello and Aguero stepped up to score the penalty.

It was Aguero's 10th goal in all competitions this season, ending a three-game drought for City's record scorer.

Rodri limped off before half-time, prompting John Stones' introduction after missing six games with an injury, but not before Guardiola, pounding the dug-out seat in frustration, appeared to chastise the City defender for his slow rise from the bench.

"I think it will be 10 days but if it's broken (torn), it will be three weeks," Guardiola said of Rodri's injury.

Sterling made it three in the 58th minute as he drilled into the roof of the net.

He wasn't finished yet and raced onto Ilkay Gundogan's pass before deftly cutting back onto his right foot for a fine finish in the 64th minute.

Capping a memorable evening for Sterling, five minutes later he scored his 11th goal of the season with a close-range strike from Riyad Mahrez's cross.

Pep Guardiola saluted the "extraordinary" Raheem Sterling after Manchester City's majestic winger hit a brilliant 11-minute hat-trick in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of Atalanta.

Pep Guardiola saluted the "extraordinary" Raheem Sterling after Manchester City's majestic winger hit a brilliant 11-minute hat-trick in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of Atalanta. Guardiola's side was rocked by Ruslan Malinovsky's first-half penalty in the Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium. But City responded superbly as Sergio Aguero struck twice before the interval. Sterling had provided the assists for both of Aguero's goals, but the England star was just getting warmed up. After the interval, Sterling struck three times to complete a personal masterclass that underlined his rise in the Guardiola era from enigmatic playmaker to lethal finisher. Sterling has emerged as City's driving force over the last 18 months and his second hat-trick of the season confirmed his place among the world's best players. "All the credit is for him. He's a guy whose physicality is incredible. He is so strong," Guardiola said. "A day after a game, he could play another. His regeneration is incredible and he can play both sides. He is an extraordinary player." Asked if the 24-year-old could get even better, Guardiola added: "It depends on him, his desire, and I think he has that." The only frustration for Guardiola was a late red card for young midfielder Phil Foden. "He will learn. He will know after one yellow card the need to be more careful," Guardiola said. City's third successive Group C victory leaves them top of the table, five points clear of second-placed Dinamo Zagreb with three games left. "It was an incredible effort because they have a lot of quality. That is why I am so satisfied with the result," Guardiola added. "Three more points in the next game and we will be in the next stage." Atalanta, making their Champions League debut this season, are still searching for their first point after a third consecutive defeat. Guardiola had called on City to show they have the mentality to conquer the "little margins" needed to win the Champions League for the first time. This was the perfect response as they recovered from falling behind in the 28th minute. For the second successive game, Guardiola had responded to City's defensive injury problems by deploying midfielders Fernandinho and Rodri as his two centre-backs. Sterling sparkles It was an uncomfortable arrangement and when Josip Ilicic advanced into the City area, Fernandinho rashly stuck out a leg to trip the Atalanta winger and concede a penalty. Malinovsky sent Ederson the wrong way with the spot-kick as City conceded their first goal in this season's tournament. That blow woke City from their slumber and Aguero made up for his earlier miss with the 34th-minute equaliser. Sterling deserved much of the credit for a penetrating run and delicate cross that allowed Aguero to peel off his marker for a clinical close-range finish. City had their rhythm back and Sterling was the catalyst again when they took the lead in the 38th minute. Surging into the Atalanta area at pace, Sterling was clearly tripped by Andrea Masiello and Aguero stepped up to score the penalty. It was Aguero's 10th goal in all competitions this season, ending a three-game drought for City's record scorer. Rodri limped off before half-time, prompting John Stones' introduction after missing six games with an injury, but not before Guardiola, pounding the dug-out seat in frustration, appeared to chastise the City defender for his slow rise from the bench. "I think it will be 10 days but if it's broken (torn), it will be three weeks," Guardiola said of Rodri's injury. Sterling made it three in the 58th minute as he drilled into the roof of the net. He wasn't finished yet and raced onto Ilkay Gundogan's pass before deftly cutting back onto his right foot for a fine finish in the 64th minute. Capping a memorable evening for Sterling, five minutes later he scored his 11th goal of the season with a close-range strike from Riyad Mahrez's cross.

Raheem Sterling blasts 11-minute treble as Manchester City run riot

Pep Guardiola insisted on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bernardo-silva-comes-under-fire-from-anti-racism-charity-over-mendy-tweet-251541">Bernardo Silva is not guilty of racism</a> over a tweet the Manchester City star sent to his team-mate Benjamin Mendy.

The English Football Association has written to the Premier League champions requesting their observations after Silva posted pictures on social media on Sunday comparing Mendy to the character on a packet of Conguitos chocolates.

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has called on English football's governing body to take action.

City manager Guardiola was asked for his thoughts after his side's 3-0 League Cup third-round win at Preston.

He was quick to defend Portugal star Silva from the accusations and said the pair are good friends.

"Honestly, I don't know what is going to happen but they should put the focus on other issues," Guardiola told reporters.

"They don't know which guy you are talking about. Bernardo is one of the most lovely people I have ever met in my life.

"He speaks four or five languages -- that is the best way to understand how open-minded he is -- and one of his best friends is Mendy.

"He is like a brother for him. The image for the two is not about the colour of the skin.

"He took a picture of Benjamin when he was young and he related it (to) this cartoon -- quite similar, for the image.

"If they want to do that, to ask Bernardo, we'd be open to talk, but first to do that you want to know exactly which person are you talking about.

"There are many situations when white people, the colour, and you look at cartoons and it is quite similar as your face and you put it in there. It is not about that.

"I think the response from Mendy was clear after that. It was a joke all the time. Maybe, what I've said many times, my advice is do not use too much social media. That is what happens.

"If something happens it would be a mistake because Bernardo is an exceptional person."

With Silva starting and Mendy appearing as a second-half substitute, holders City eased to victory at Deepdale.

All their goals came in the first half with Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and a Ryan Ledson own goal sealing the win.

Pep Guardiola insisted on Tuesday that Bernardo Silva is not guilty of racism over a tweet the Manchester City star sent to his team-mate Benjamin Mendy. The English Football Association has written to the Premier League champions requesting their observations after Silva posted pictures on social media on Sunday comparing Mendy to the character on a packet of Conguitos chocolates.

Pep Guardiola insisted on Tuesday that Bernardo Silva is not guilty of racism over a tweet the Manchester City star sent to his team-mate Benjamin Mendy. The English Football Association has written to the Premier League champions requesting their observations after Silva posted pictures on social media on Sunday comparing Mendy to the character on a packet of Conguitos chocolates. Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has called on English football's governing body to take action. City manager Guardiola was asked for his thoughts after his side's 3-0 League Cup third-round win at Preston. He was quick to defend Portugal star Silva from the accusations and said the pair are good friends. "Honestly, I don't know what is going to happen but they should put the focus on other issues," Guardiola told reporters. "They don't know which guy you are talking about. Bernardo is one of the most lovely people I have ever met in my life. "He speaks four or five languages -- that is the best way to understand how open-minded he is -- and one of his best friends is Mendy. "He is like a brother for him. The image for the two is not about the colour of the skin. "He took a picture of Benjamin when he was young and he related it (to) this cartoon -- quite similar, for the image. "If they want to do that, to ask Bernardo, we'd be open to talk, but first to do that you want to know exactly which person are you talking about. "There are many situations when white people, the colour, and you look at cartoons and it is quite similar as your face and you put it in there. It is not about that. "I think the response from Mendy was clear after that. It was a joke all the time. Maybe, what I've said many times, my advice is do not use too much social media. That is what happens. "If something happens it would be a mistake because Bernardo is an exceptional person." With Silva starting and Mendy appearing as a second-half substitute, holders City eased to victory at Deepdale. All their goals came in the first half with Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and a Ryan Ledson own goal sealing the win.

Pep Guardiola defends Bernardo Silva over tweet to Mendy

A Bernardo Silva hat-trick helped Manchester City to secure the joint second-biggest Premier League victory in history with an 8-0 thrashing of a bewildered Watford on Saturday.

The champions, responding to their first league defeat since January at Norwich City last weekend, blew Watford away by becoming the first side to score five goals in the first 18 minutes of a Premier League game.

David Silva got City up and running after finishing off a delightful pass from Kevin De Bruyne in the first minute, before Sergio Aguero's 100th Premier League goal at the Etihad Stadium doubled the hosts' advantage from the penalty spot.

Riyad Mahrez curled a brilliant free-kick into the net in the 12th minute, with a Bernardo Silva header and a Nicolas Otamendi tap-in completing the 18-minute rout.

Watford brought on an extra defender just after the half-hour mark to try to stem the tide, seeing themselves through to half-time without further damage, before Bernardo Silva added a sixth goal three minutes into the second period.

Bernardo Silva completed his first top-flight hat-trick with a close-range finish to make it seven, before De Bruyne hammered home a superb eighth as City came up one short of Manchester United's record 9-0 victory over Ipswich Town in 1995.

"We can lose the games [Norwich match] but the important thing is the approach and how we react," City manager Pep Guardiola said.

"What I like the most is normally when it's 5-0 at halftime the second half is not serious, it's boring, but we did the opposite and we were more aggressive and made a very good second half."

With Liverpool top of the standings by five points coming into the weekend — the biggest lead after five games at this stage in Premier League history — City were under pressure to close the gap ahead of their title rivals' Sunday trip to Chelsea.

Fifty-two seconds in and De Bruyne had unlocked Watford with a fantastic pass for David Silva to score and six minutes later, after Mahrez had been fouled in the penalty area, Aguero scored and the match was effectively over as a contest.

Watford looked stunned as the goals rained in but it could have been much worse, with City firing a total of 28 shots — 14 in each half — at Watford keeper Ben Foster's goal.

Aguero had six shots alone in the 90 minutes but it was Bernardo Silva who took home the match ball for the first time in his career.

City were five minutes away from matching United's record after De Bruyne's pick of the bunch, but he and Mahrez missed good late chances to complete a perfect day.

"It's probably a bit of shock, embarrassment," Watford's Foster said. "I think we let ourselves down today and the fans a bit.

"We on the pitch didn't give it all we have got."

A Bernardo Silva hat-trick helped Manchester City to secure the joint second-biggest Premier League victory in history with an 8-0 thrashing of a bewildered Watford on Saturday.

A Bernardo Silva hat-trick helped Manchester City to secure the joint second-biggest Premier League victory in history with an 8-0 thrashing of a bewildered Watford on Saturday. The champions, responding to their first league defeat since January at Norwich City last weekend, blew Watford away by becoming the first side to score five goals in the first 18 minutes of a Premier League game. David Silva got City up and running after finishing off a delightful pass from Kevin De Bruyne in the first minute, before Sergio Aguero's 100th Premier League goal at the Etihad Stadium doubled the hosts' advantage from the penalty spot. Riyad Mahrez curled a brilliant free-kick into the net in the 12th minute, with a Bernardo Silva header and a Nicolas Otamendi tap-in completing the 18-minute rout. Watford brought on an extra defender just after the half-hour mark to try to stem the tide, seeing themselves through to half-time without further damage, before Bernardo Silva added a sixth goal three minutes into the second period. Bernardo Silva completed his first top-flight hat-trick with a close-range finish to make it seven, before De Bruyne hammered home a superb eighth as City came up one short of Manchester United's record 9-0 victory over Ipswich Town in 1995. "We can lose the games [Norwich match] but the important thing is the approach and how we react," City manager Pep Guardiola said. "What I like the most is normally when it's 5-0 at halftime the second half is not serious, it's boring, but we did the opposite and we were more aggressive and made a very good second half." With Liverpool top of the standings by five points coming into the weekend — the biggest lead after five games at this stage in Premier League history — City were under pressure to close the gap ahead of their title rivals' Sunday trip to Chelsea. Fifty-two seconds in and De Bruyne had unlocked Watford with a fantastic pass for David Silva to score and six minutes later, after Mahrez had been fouled in the penalty area, Aguero scored and the match was effectively over as a contest. Watford looked stunned as the goals rained in but it could have been much worse, with City firing a total of 28 shots — 14 in each half — at Watford keeper Ben Foster's goal. Aguero had six shots alone in the 90 minutes but it was Bernardo Silva who took home the match ball for the first time in his career. City were five minutes away from matching United's record after De Bruyne's pick of the bunch, but he and Mahrez missed good late chances to complete a perfect day. "It's probably a bit of shock, embarrassment," Watford's Foster said. "I think we let ourselves down today and the fans a bit. "We on the pitch didn't give it all we have got."

Bernardo Silva gets hat-trick as Manchester City humiliate Watford 8-0

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted he still "loves" his players after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/teemu-pukki-shines-as-injury-hit-norwich-upset-manchester-city-3-2-249763">a shock 3-2 defeat at newly-promoted Norwich</a> saw the Premier League champions fall five points behind Liverpool at the top of the table.

City lost for the first time in the league since January as Kenny McLean, Todd Cantwell and Teemu Pukki struck for an injury-ravaged Norwich at Carrow Road.

However, Guardiola claimed the odd slip-up is the norm rather than the exceptional form City have demonstrated in winning back-to-back Premier League titles.

Guardiola's men posted a record 100 points in 2017/18 and held off Liverpool's club record 97-point haul to retain their title with 98 points last season.

"I know what we are as a team, what we have done, what we are going to do again, and I love my players. It is a pleasure and honour to be with them," said the Catalan coach.

"That is the challenge in a high level. The people cannot expect all the time (to) win or make 100 points, 90 points.

"It shows how difficult everything (we have done) is. Now we need to recover, go to Europe (in the Champions League) and come back."

For all of Norwich's injury woes, it was a City absence that appeared the most significant as Aymeric Laporte was badly missed at the heart of the visitors' defence.

The French centre-back will be sidelined until at least the new year after undergoing knee surgery and John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi did little to settle City nerves that they will be able to hold the fort until the transfer window opens again or Laporte returns in January.

Sergio Aguero had reduced City's arrears to 2-1 just before half-time after McLean and Cantwell put Norwich in front.

But any momentum for Guardiola's men at the start of the second-half was wiped out when Stones played Otamendi into trouble and the Argentine was robbed on the edge of his own box by Emiliano Buendia, who squared for Pukki to make it 3-1.

"Nobody talked (to each other) and they score a goal," said Guardiola. "It happens, it's not good it happens but it happened today."

Laporte's absence could be vital in Liverpool's quest to end a 30-year wait to win the league, but Guardiola warned the European champions that it is still early days in the title race.

"Sometimes (players) make mistakes," added Guardiola of his defence. "We will look to see what I can do to help them.

"We know the quality of our opponents, not just Liverpool, but especially Liverpool and I know five points is five points, but we are in September."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted he still "loves" his players after a shock 3-2 defeat at newly-promoted Norwich saw the Premier League champions fall five points behind Liverpool at the top of the table.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted he still "loves" his players after a shock 3-2 defeat at newly-promoted Norwich saw the Premier League champions fall five points behind Liverpool at the top of the table. City lost for the first time in the league since January as Kenny McLean, Todd Cantwell and Teemu Pukki struck for an injury-ravaged Norwich at Carrow Road. However, Guardiola claimed the odd slip-up is the norm rather than the exceptional form City have demonstrated in winning back-to-back Premier League titles. Guardiola's men posted a record 100 points in 2017/18 and held off Liverpool's club record 97-point haul to retain their title with 98 points last season. "I know what we are as a team, what we have done, what we are going to do again, and I love my players. It is a pleasure and honour to be with them," said the Catalan coach. "That is the challenge in a high level. The people cannot expect all the time (to) win or make 100 points, 90 points. "It shows how difficult everything (we have done) is. Now we need to recover, go to Europe (in the Champions League) and come back." For all of Norwich's injury woes, it was a City absence that appeared the most significant as Aymeric Laporte was badly missed at the heart of the visitors' defence. The French centre-back will be sidelined until at least the new year after undergoing knee surgery and John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi did little to settle City nerves that they will be able to hold the fort until the transfer window opens again or Laporte returns in January. Sergio Aguero had reduced City's arrears to 2-1 just before half-time after McLean and Cantwell put Norwich in front. But any momentum for Guardiola's men at the start of the second-half was wiped out when Stones played Otamendi into trouble and the Argentine was robbed on the edge of his own box by Emiliano Buendia, who squared for Pukki to make it 3-1. "Nobody talked (to each other) and they score a goal," said Guardiola. "It happens, it's not good it happens but it happened today." Laporte's absence could be vital in Liverpool's quest to end a 30-year wait to win the league, but Guardiola warned the European champions that it is still early days in the title race. "Sometimes (players) make mistakes," added Guardiola of his defence. "We will look to see what I can do to help them. "We know the quality of our opponents, not just Liverpool, but especially Liverpool and I know five points is five points, but we are in September."

Pep Guardiola still 'in love' with Manchester City players despite shock Norwich defeat

Pep Guardiola would love Raheem Sterling to reach the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the Manchester City manager is not sure if any player will be able to equal the feats of that legendary pair.

Others have recently been comparing Sterling to the two dominant players of the last decade.

England manager Gareth Southgate suggested Sterling could eventually be mentioned in the same breath as Messi and Ronaldo when asked how far the City winger could go if he maintains his superb form.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also said that he sees Sterling as a potential future winner of the Ballon d'Or -- an award Barcelona star Messi and Juventus forward Ronaldo have each won five times.

City manager Guardiola is thrilled at Sterling's progress during their three years working together, but having also coached Messi at Barca, he knows the exceptional standards required at that exalted level.

"Right now, Raheem is not in that level, but maybe in the future I wish. It would be a dream for him and for all of us," Guardiola told reporters.

"The consistency of these two guys, they are legends, something unique in world football.

"If Raheem can target that level –- wow. We will be there to help him and of course he can do it.

"But right now, nobody, not in the club, or in all the clubs in the world&nbsp;can compare with these two guys and what they have done every single week for ten years. Nobody."

Sterling in electric form

Sterling enjoyed his best goal-scoring season last year as he netted 25 times to help City win the domestic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

He has started the new season in electric form with eight goals in seven games for club and country. He scored in both Euro 2020 qualifiers for England during the international break.

To understand what Sterling is up against, Ronaldo's mark of 29 club goals last season for Juventus is the lowest figure either he or Messi have recorded in the last decade.

As City prepare to resume their Premier League campaign, away to Norwich on Saturday, Guardiola has noticed how the 24-year-old is becoming much more clinical in front of goal -- as Sterling aims to improve on his best league tally of 18 from 2017-18.&nbsp;

"Before Raheem made good actions and dribbles, but he didn't finish too much. Now he is a player who can win games for himself," Guardiola said.

"It is a case of practice, practice, practice –- and mentality. The guy who scores goals is because he arrives in front of goal. If you are not there, it's impossible.

"In the beginning, he didn't get there. Now he is always there. I have the sense that he has the desire and commitment to score goals and that's why he scores more goals and has more assists."

Pep Guardiola would love Raheem Sterling to reach the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the Manchester City manager is not sure if any player will be able to equal the feats of that legendary pair.

Pep Guardiola would love Raheem Sterling to reach the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the Manchester City manager is not sure if any player will be able to equal the feats of that legendary pair. Others have recently been comparing Sterling to the two dominant players of the last decade. England manager Gareth Southgate suggested Sterling could eventually be mentioned in the same breath as Messi and Ronaldo when asked how far the City winger could go if he maintains his superb form. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also said that he sees Sterling as a potential future winner of the Ballon d'Or -- an award Barcelona star Messi and Juventus forward Ronaldo have each won five times. City manager Guardiola is thrilled at Sterling's progress during their three years working together, but having also coached Messi at Barca, he knows the exceptional standards required at that exalted level. "Right now, Raheem is not in that level, but maybe in the future I wish. It would be a dream for him and for all of us," Guardiola told reporters. "The consistency of these two guys, they are legends, something unique in world football. "If Raheem can target that level –- wow. We will be there to help him and of course he can do it. "But right now, nobody, not in the club, or in all the clubs in the world can compare with these two guys and what they have done every single week for ten years. Nobody." Sterling in electric form Sterling enjoyed his best goal-scoring season last year as he netted 25 times to help City win the domestic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. He has started the new season in electric form with eight goals in seven games for club and country. He scored in both Euro 2020 qualifiers for England during the international break. To understand what Sterling is up against, Ronaldo's mark of 29 club goals last season for Juventus is the lowest figure either he or Messi have recorded in the last decade. As City prepare to resume their Premier League campaign, away to Norwich on Saturday, Guardiola has noticed how the 24-year-old is becoming much more clinical in front of goal -- as Sterling aims to improve on his best league tally of 18 from 2017-18. "Before Raheem made good actions and dribbles, but he didn't finish too much. Now he is a player who can win games for himself," Guardiola said. "It is a case of practice, practice, practice –- and mentality. The guy who scores goals is because he arrives in front of goal. If you are not there, it's impossible. "In the beginning, he didn't get there. Now he is always there. I have the sense that he has the desire and commitment to score goals and that's why he scores more goals and has more assists."

Raheem Sterling not on same level as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, says Pep Guardiola

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling's improving physicality and finesse can help him excel as a central striker when he is deployed in the role, manager Pep Guardiola has said.

England international Sterling scored a superb hat-trick as the champions kicked off their Premier League defence with a convincing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/five-star-city-make-statement-kane-seals-late-spurs-win-242134">5-0 victory at West Ham United</a>.

Guardiola said that Sterling, who began the contest on the left of their attacking trident after record goalscorer Sergio Aguero dropped to the bench, had the versatility to perform in any position across the forward line.

"Since we started this season in China and the Community Shield he's scored one goal minimum every game," Spaniard Guardiola told City's website.

"On the first day he played as a striker and for me striker will be an incredible position for him. He can play in three positions up front.

"They're incredibly talented players but they need the group.... When the team takes a step forward he plays better. But I know the special quality of the player, the consistent physicality and the finishing."

Sterling, who was voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association last season, scored 25 goals in all competitions across the campaign.

City host Tottenham Hotspur in their next league game on August&nbsp;17.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling's improving physicality and finesse can help him excel as a central striker when he is deployed in the role, manager Pep Guardiola has said.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling's improving physicality and finesse can help him excel as a central striker when he is deployed in the role, manager Pep Guardiola has said. England international Sterling scored a superb hat-trick as the champions kicked off their Premier League defence with a convincing 5-0 victory at West Ham United. Guardiola said that Sterling, who began the contest on the left of their attacking trident after record goalscorer Sergio Aguero dropped to the bench, had the versatility to perform in any position across the forward line. "Since we started this season in China and the Community Shield he's scored one goal minimum every game," Spaniard Guardiola told City's website. "On the first day he played as a striker and for me striker will be an incredible position for him. He can play in three positions up front. "They're incredibly talented players but they need the group.... When the team takes a step forward he plays better. But I know the special quality of the player, the consistent physicality and the finishing." Sterling, who was voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association last season, scored 25 goals in all competitions across the campaign. City host Tottenham Hotspur in their next league game on August 17.

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola backs 'special' Sterling to shine as striker

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he expects this season's Premier League title race to be more open than last season's when his side pipped Liverpool to the line in a two-horse race after an epic tussle.

City beat Liverpool on penalties in Sunday's Community Shield at Wembley -- the traditional curtain-raiser to the season -- after a high-tempo clash ended 1-1.

The two sides look likely to go toe-to-toe again when the season begin at Anfield on Friday with Liverpool' home clash against Norwich City before City open away to West Ham United a day later.

Last season City won the title with 98 points to Liverpool's 97 after Guardiola's side won their last 14 Premier League games. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester United completed the top six.

Guardiola played down suggestions a similar story would unfold.

"I think at the beginning of the season, all six of these teams are contenders," he said.

"I don't know if it will be like last season, two real contenders, I think United with (expected new signing, Harry) Maguire and the other players, Arsenal too, Chelsea and Tottenham.

"I think there will be many, many contenders this time."

City dominated the first half against Liverpool with Raheem Sterling giving them an early lead.

But Joel Matip levelled late on and Liverpool would have won but for the excellence of City keeper Claudio Bravo who made several fine stops and saved Georginio Wijnaldum's penalty in the shootout which City edged 5-4.

Both teams struggled for intensity at times, Liverpool before the break and City after it and Guardiola suggested the demands on players over the summer were unreasonable, especially with many of his squad being involved in the African Cup of Nations and Copa America tournaments.

"The show must go on and I'm optimistic if they listen to the players," the Spaniard said.

"The NBA has an incredible amount of games but then five months off. Riyad Mahrez had 10 days off.

"People say about the amount of money we earn but it's not normal."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he expects this season's Premier League title race to be more open than last season's when his side pipped Liverpool to the line in a two-horse race after an epic tussle.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he expects this season's Premier League title race to be more open than last season's when his side pipped Liverpool to the line in a two-horse race after an epic tussle. City beat Liverpool on penalties in Sunday's Community Shield at Wembley -- the traditional curtain-raiser to the season -- after a high-tempo clash ended 1-1. The two sides look likely to go toe-to-toe again when the season begin at Anfield on Friday with Liverpool' home clash against Norwich City before City open away to West Ham United a day later. Last season City won the title with 98 points to Liverpool's 97 after Guardiola's side won their last 14 Premier League games. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester United completed the top six. Guardiola played down suggestions a similar story would unfold. "I think at the beginning of the season, all six of these teams are contenders," he said. "I don't know if it will be like last season, two real contenders, I think United with (expected new signing, Harry) Maguire and the other players, Arsenal too, Chelsea and Tottenham. "I think there will be many, many contenders this time." City dominated the first half against Liverpool with Raheem Sterling giving them an early lead. But Joel Matip levelled late on and Liverpool would have won but for the excellence of City keeper Claudio Bravo who made several fine stops and saved Georginio Wijnaldum's penalty in the shootout which City edged 5-4. Both teams struggled for intensity at times, Liverpool before the break and City after it and Guardiola suggested the demands on players over the summer were unreasonable, especially with many of his squad being involved in the African Cup of Nations and Copa America tournaments. "The show must go on and I'm optimistic if they listen to the players," the Spaniard said. "The NBA has an incredible amount of games but then five months off. Riyad Mahrez had 10 days off. "People say about the amount of money we earn but it's not normal."

Pep Guardiola picks out six contenders for Premier League title race

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-urges-manchester-city-to-strike-early-blow-against-liverpool-240382">Pep&nbsp;Guardiola</a> has dominated English football in his time at Manchester City, winning five of the six domestic trophies in the last two seasons, and once again is putting Premier League glory at the top of his list of ambitions for the new season.

On Sunday, City tackle Champions League winners Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley in the traditional season curtain-raiser.

Liverpool won their sixth European Cup with victory over Tottenham in May, and while Guardiola does want to conquer Europe with City, he prefers the sustained excellence that a successful league campaign brings over the vagaries of the post-Christmas knockout rounds.

The 48-year-old Spaniard has won eight titles in ten seasons as a manager and he is now aiming to repeat the three straight league title wins he had at German giants Bayern Munich with City.

"The Champions League is an important tournament and difficult to win," he said.

"But it's seven games (the knockout stages). I am not going to go to the casino and gamble everything I have in my pocket on seven games. I don't want that.

"I want to be happy for 11 months and the Premier League makes me happy. Every game when we win, I am happy and I go to a restaurant feeling better.

"Why am I going to wait until February for seven games and put everything on black? From my point of view, that is too risky."

Guardiola, whose side were knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool and Spurs in the past two seasons, said the title meant everything to him. &nbsp;

"To maintain the health and focus of the team, the most important thing is the Premier League," he said.

"It is the standout competition because it is every weekend. In the Champions League, many things can happen in one or two games.

"We will be closer to achieving in Europe when we have more Premier League titles. That is a nice process and the right process to do at Manchester City.

"If I could have one thing this season, right now, it would definitely be the title."

'Players were incredible'

The discussion has been had all summer about whose achievements were greater last season, Liverpool's Champions League glory or City winning the three domestic trophies -- Liverpool pushing City all the way in the Premier League title race -- in England plus the Community Shield.

But it was 3-0 in the Reds' favour in nominations for the best male player for the Best Fifa Football Awards, which were announced last Wednesday.

Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are on the ten-man shortlist.

It has left Guardiola wondering what City's players must do to receive wider acclaim for their performances.

"I cannot imagine Real Madrid or Barcelona winning four titles in one season and not having a single player there," he said.

"That is impossible. I am not going to say that the ten guys nominated don't deserve it, but I am a bit surprised we had no one because our players were incredible.

"For example I don't think any player made a better season than Bernardo Silva, who also won the Nations League with Portugal."

Guardiola had to acknowledge that success in Europe is the only remedy to resolving the conundrum.&nbsp;

"These awards are normally when you win the Champions League or are in the latter stages," he said.

"The other competitions do not count. So if we win the Champions League, our players will be there."&nbsp;

Pep Guardiola has dominated English football in his time at Manchester City, winning five of the six domestic trophies in the last two seasons, and once again is putting Premier League glory at the top of his list of ambitions for the new season.

Pep Guardiola has dominated English football in his time at Manchester City, winning five of the six domestic trophies in the last two seasons, and once again is putting Premier League glory at the top of his list of ambitions for the new season. On Sunday, City tackle Champions League winners Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley in the traditional season curtain-raiser. Liverpool won their sixth European Cup with victory over Tottenham in May, and while Guardiola does want to conquer Europe with City, he prefers the sustained excellence that a successful league campaign brings over the vagaries of the post-Christmas knockout rounds. The 48-year-old Spaniard has won eight titles in ten seasons as a manager and he is now aiming to repeat the three straight league title wins he had at German giants Bayern Munich with City. "The Champions League is an important tournament and difficult to win," he said. "But it's seven games (the knockout stages). I am not going to go to the casino and gamble everything I have in my pocket on seven games. I don't want that. "I want to be happy for 11 months and the Premier League makes me happy. Every game when we win, I am happy and I go to a restaurant feeling better. "Why am I going to wait until February for seven games and put everything on black? From my point of view, that is too risky." Guardiola, whose side were knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool and Spurs in the past two seasons, said the title meant everything to him. "To maintain the health and focus of the team, the most important thing is the Premier League," he said. "It is the standout competition because it is every weekend. In the Champions League, many things can happen in one or two games. "We will be closer to achieving in Europe when we have more Premier League titles. That is a nice process and the right process to do at Manchester City. "If I could have one thing this season, right now, it would definitely be the title." 'Players were incredible' The discussion has been had all summer about whose achievements were greater last season, Liverpool's Champions League glory or City winning the three domestic trophies -- Liverpool pushing City all the way in the Premier League title race -- in England plus the Community Shield. But it was 3-0 in the Reds' favour in nominations for the best male player for the Best Fifa Football Awards, which were announced last Wednesday. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are on the ten-man shortlist. It has left Guardiola wondering what City's players must do to receive wider acclaim for their performances. "I cannot imagine Real Madrid or Barcelona winning four titles in one season and not having a single player there," he said. "That is impossible. I am not going to say that the ten guys nominated don't deserve it, but I am a bit surprised we had no one because our players were incredible. "For example I don't think any player made a better season than Bernardo Silva, who also won the Nations League with Portugal." Guardiola had to acknowledge that success in Europe is the only remedy to resolving the conundrum. "These awards are normally when you win the Champions League or are in the latter stages," he said. "The other competitions do not count. So if we win the Champions League, our players will be there."

Pep Guardiola values Premier League title above gambling all on Champions League

Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City to prepare for the "incredible challenge" of battling Liverpool for the Premier League title by landing an early blow against their rivals in Sunday's Community Shield.

Guardiola's side pipped Liverpool to the Premier League by one point last season after a thrilling title race went down to the last day.

The two clubs renew their growing rivalry when they meet at Wembley in the annual curtain-raiser to the English top-flight season this weekend.

While City won an unprecedented English treble of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup last term, and are the bookmakers' favourites to win the title for a third successive year, Guardiola is well aware of the challenge likely to be posed by Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp's men lost only once in the league last season -- at City -- and erased the frustration of failing to catch Guardiola's team by beating Tottenham to win the club's sixth European Cup in June.

Despite a spat between the pair this week when Guardiola hit back at Klopp's jibe over City's big spending on transfers in recent years, the Spaniard remains a huge admirer of the Liverpool boss and the team he has built at Anfield.

"He inspires me in many things. He is a class manager, a top manager. He's so good and it is an incredible challenge for me every time I face his teams," Guardiola said.

Guardiola's irritation at Klopp's suggestion that City are one of a handful of clubs who live in a transfer "fantasy land" lit the fuse on what promises to be a fascinating 10-month battle for supremacy between City and Liverpool.

With City yet to win the Champions League and Liverpool without an English title since 1990, it is possible they would gladly settle for a trophy-swap this season.

But Guardiola knows Community Shield holders City could become the first team to win three consecutive Premier League titles since Manchester United between 2006 and 2009, so he won't settle for only targeting European glory.

"We won almost every trophy; not all of them. It was quite remarkable," he said of last season.

"We start from zero now – we start again – but we are ready to accept the challenge."

'There are no doubts'

Twelve months ago Guardiola warned of a need to guard against complacency after City's record 100-point haul in 2017-18.

But this year he is taking a softer approach after being impressed with his players' maturity under intense pressure from Liverpool.

"We will be nicer this season. These players convinced me with what they did last season. There are no doubts," said Guardiola, who may leave Ederson, Riyad Mahrez, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus on the bench after their returns from international duty.

"At the end of last season I didn't know how well we'd handle our success and I think it was incredible what they did last after 100 points. The target is to keep improving."

For Liverpool, the glamour friendly represents a chance to fine-tune their preparations after an uneven pre-season.

Three defeats and some lethargic displays sparked fears that Liverpool were suffering a Champions League hangover.

Sadio Mane is still resting after the Africa Cup of Nations, but with Roberto Firmino, Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah back in the fold after international commitments, Klopp expects a more cohesive display at Wembley.

"When you are tired, you are tired, and it's quite difficult to then play your best football. Now it's getting better. The quality of the boys who came back, of course it helps," said Klopp, whose club last won the Community Shield in 2006.

"Because the training was on such a high-intensity level in the games sometimes we were really done.

"Unfortunately, we play in public so everybody could see that. But the Lyon game helped. We were not in doubt about that but it's nice to get the proof as well."

Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City to prepare for the "incredible challenge" of battling Liverpool for the Premier League title by landing an early blow against their rivals in Sunday's Community Shield.

Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City to prepare for the "incredible challenge" of battling Liverpool for the Premier League title by landing an early blow against their rivals in Sunday's Community Shield. Guardiola's side pipped Liverpool to the Premier League by one point last season after a thrilling title race went down to the last day. The two clubs renew their growing rivalry when they meet at Wembley in the annual curtain-raiser to the English top-flight season this weekend. While City won an unprecedented English treble of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup last term, and are the bookmakers' favourites to win the title for a third successive year, Guardiola is well aware of the challenge likely to be posed by Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's men lost only once in the league last season -- at City -- and erased the frustration of failing to catch Guardiola's team by beating Tottenham to win the club's sixth European Cup in June. Despite a spat between the pair this week when Guardiola hit back at Klopp's jibe over City's big spending on transfers in recent years, the Spaniard remains a huge admirer of the Liverpool boss and the team he has built at Anfield. "He inspires me in many things. He is a class manager, a top manager. He's so good and it is an incredible challenge for me every time I face his teams," Guardiola said. Guardiola's irritation at Klopp's suggestion that City are one of a handful of clubs who live in a transfer "fantasy land" lit the fuse on what promises to be a fascinating 10-month battle for supremacy between City and Liverpool. With City yet to win the Champions League and Liverpool without an English title since 1990, it is possible they would gladly settle for a trophy-swap this season. But Guardiola knows Community Shield holders City could become the first team to win three consecutive Premier League titles since Manchester United between 2006 and 2009, so he won't settle for only targeting European glory. "We won almost every trophy; not all of them. It was quite remarkable," he said of last season. "We start from zero now – we start again – but we are ready to accept the challenge." 'There are no doubts' Twelve months ago Guardiola warned of a need to guard against complacency after City's record 100-point haul in 2017-18. But this year he is taking a softer approach after being impressed with his players' maturity under intense pressure from Liverpool. "We will be nicer this season. These players convinced me with what they did last season. There are no doubts," said Guardiola, who may leave Ederson, Riyad Mahrez, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus on the bench after their returns from international duty. "At the end of last season I didn't know how well we'd handle our success and I think it was incredible what they did last after 100 points. The target is to keep improving." For Liverpool, the glamour friendly represents a chance to fine-tune their preparations after an uneven pre-season. Three defeats and some lethargic displays sparked fears that Liverpool were suffering a Champions League hangover. Sadio Mane is still resting after the Africa Cup of Nations, but with Roberto Firmino, Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah back in the fold after international commitments, Klopp expects a more cohesive display at Wembley. "When you are tired, you are tired, and it's quite difficult to then play your best football. Now it's getting better. The quality of the boys who came back, of course it helps," said Klopp, whose club last won the Community Shield in 2006. "Because the training was on such a high-intensity level in the games sometimes we were really done. "Unfortunately, we play in public so everybody could see that. But the Lyon game helped. We were not in doubt about that but it's nice to get the proof as well."

Pep Guardiola urges Manchester City to strike early blow against Liverpool

Ahead of Manchester City's clash against J-League outfit Yokohama F-Marinos, City's manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Pep+Guardiola">Pep Guardiola</a> praised young midfielder Phil Foden and hailed him as the "most talented player" he has ever seen.&nbsp;

Since making his debut in 2017, the 19-year-old has scored seven goals so far. He is expected to feature heavily in the upcoming season and might prove to be a vital cog for the team.&nbsp;

"He is the most, most, most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a football player and manager. He has everything to become one of the best players, not just in England," said Guardiola.&nbsp;

"His only problem is that sometimes his manager doesn't put him in the starting XI. Hopefully, in the future, he can improve. He deserves all the minutes but he knows what team he plays for and with his competitors, it isn't easy," Guardiola added.&nbsp;

"He knows I appreciate him. I'm here to help him as much as possible to become what he is and I am pretty sure both of us will get it," he further added.&nbsp;

Guardiola against praised Foden after City's 3-1 win over Yokohama F-Marinos on Saturday.&nbsp;

He insisted that Foden needed more time. "Phil (Foden) trained in, I think, two training sessions. So, no more than that, so it was one month off and two training sessions so he needed more time," said City's coach.&nbsp;

"His position is more central in the middle, but he can play wide because he has the ability of one-against-one, help a lot in that side to close it to defend, so that's why I am so, yeah, I'm satisfied, because I know his level so, his quality, his receptions, the vision that he has, his commitment defensively, so, but it's good," Pep added.&nbsp;

"In two games, I didn't expect (to) give him minutes and he took these minutes and that is good for, for you know, to take the best condition as possible."&nbsp;

Manchester City will kick off their Premier League season against West Ham on August 10.&nbsp;

Ahead of Manchester City's clash against J-League outfit Yokohama F-Marinos, City's manager Pep Guardiola praised young midfielder Phil Foden and hailed him as the "most talented player" he has ever seen.

Ahead of Manchester City's clash against J-League outfit Yokohama F-Marinos, City's manager Pep Guardiola praised young midfielder Phil Foden and hailed him as the "most talented player" he has ever seen. Since making his debut in 2017, the 19-year-old has scored seven goals so far. He is expected to feature heavily in the upcoming season and might prove to be a vital cog for the team. "He is the most, most, most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a football player and manager. He has everything to become one of the best players, not just in England," said Guardiola. "His only problem is that sometimes his manager doesn't put him in the starting XI. Hopefully, in the future, he can improve. He deserves all the minutes but he knows what team he plays for and with his competitors, it isn't easy," Guardiola added. "He knows I appreciate him. I'm here to help him as much as possible to become what he is and I am pretty sure both of us will get it," he further added. Guardiola against praised Foden after City's 3-1 win over Yokohama F-Marinos on Saturday. He insisted that Foden needed more time. "Phil (Foden) trained in, I think, two training sessions. So, no more than that, so it was one month off and two training sessions so he needed more time," said City's coach. "His position is more central in the middle, but he can play wide because he has the ability of one-against-one, help a lot in that side to close it to defend, so that's why I am so, yeah, I'm satisfied, because I know his level so, his quality, his receptions, the vision that he has, his commitment defensively, so, but it's good," Pep added. "In two games, I didn't expect (to) give him minutes and he took these minutes and that is good for, for you know, to take the best condition as possible." Manchester City will kick off their Premier League season against West Ham on August 10.

Phil Foden is the most talented player I have ever seen, says Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he does not expect to make many, if any, new signings before the transfer window closes.

The Premier League champions have made one big-money signing in the close season, brining in Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, better known as 'Rodri', from Atletico Madrid for a club-record €70 million ($79 million).

Speaking in Yokohama on the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, Guardiola said he was happy with his current title-winning squad.

“Not many,” the Spaniard said on Friday, when asked if any more transfer deals can be expected.

“The transfer market is so difficult and we are good enough. Maybe zero, one or one and a half (transfers). We will see.”

One player Guardiola may have to replace if Bayern Munich get their way is German winger Leroy Sane.

Bayern have made it clear they would like to take the 23-year-old to Bavaria, but Guardiola has stated his resolve to keep Sane in England.

Despite Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge suggesting earlier this week that the City manager "doesn't know everything that goes on in his club," Guardiola refused to be drawn into a war of words with his former side.

“I love Bayern Munich. It is part of my life. So the people working there, I appreciate a lot,” said Guardiola, who won three league titles with the German club.

“They gave me an incredible opportunity to work in Germany at this historical club. I have real, real friends out there.

“Football is what it is. Sometimes you know I say things the people on the opposite side don’t like, but I know that they always do it with good intentions.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he does not expect to make many, if any, new signings before the transfer window closes. The Premier League champions have made one big-money signing in the close season, brining in Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, better known as 'Rodri', from Atletico Madrid for a club-record €70 million ($79 million).

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he does not expect to make many, if any, new signings before the transfer window closes. The Premier League champions have made one big-money signing in the close season, brining in Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, better known as 'Rodri', from Atletico Madrid for a club-record €70 million ($79 million). Speaking in Yokohama on the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, Guardiola said he was happy with his current title-winning squad. “Not many,” the Spaniard said on Friday, when asked if any more transfer deals can be expected. “The transfer market is so difficult and we are good enough. Maybe zero, one or one and a half (transfers). We will see.” One player Guardiola may have to replace if Bayern Munich get their way is German winger Leroy Sane. Bayern have made it clear they would like to take the 23-year-old to Bavaria, but Guardiola has stated his resolve to keep Sane in England. Despite Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge suggesting earlier this week that the City manager "doesn't know everything that goes on in his club," Guardiola refused to be drawn into a war of words with his former side. “I love Bayern Munich. It is part of my life. So the people working there, I appreciate a lot,” said Guardiola, who won three league titles with the German club. “They gave me an incredible opportunity to work in Germany at this historical club. I have real, real friends out there. “Football is what it is. Sometimes you know I say things the people on the opposite side don’t like, but I know that they always do it with good intentions.”

Pep Guardiola plays down prospect of more Manchester City signings before deadline

Pep Guardiola made an impassioned defence of Manchester City and his players after criticism in China's state media over his club's "arrogance" during their stopover in Nanjing and Shanghai for last week's Premier League Asia Trophy.

The Premier League champions, who played in the four-team tournament with Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United, were lambasted in an editorial in official news agency Xinhua, which claimed Guardiola and his players "lacked enthusiasm" during their five-day stint in China.

Speaking in Hong Kong, where City will face local side Kitchee on Wednesday evening, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach said the club had had a positive experience so far during their Asian tour.

"I should say that I don't agree and I should say that it's false," said Guardiola. "To make a statement like this they have to know exactly what is happening within our club.

"The players had an incredible time in Shanghai. They were committed in all the commercials they have to do with the people here in China. The people from the hotel, we take care of all of them with signatures, with pictures. All the people asking something, we are ready to do that.

"So I know we come here (and) it's a unique experience for us. It's not easy to come during the season, to come to Asia, a new culture and to go to the restaurants and know the people. It's amazing to travel and know other people.

"I don't understand how the people can say that. Maybe this one journalist is a little bit upset, I don't know why. But it's far away from what is the reality."

'Commercial Obligation'

The article on Xinhua's English language website accused City, who are part-owned by the Chinese Media Capital consortium, of lack of engagement with local fans and that staff had adopted a dismissive attitude towards the country's media.

"For the Premier League champions, their appearance in China was nothing more than a commercial obligation, and their lack of enthusiasm and the indifferent treatment of their hosts stands in stark contrast to representatives of other clubs," the article stated.

"For Manchester City, they saw their recent success as a reason not to treat Chinese and foreigners with the same respect. Above all, it was an orientalist expectation on display by the Manchester City press relations staff&nbsp;that Chinese media would operate as an extension of their PR department, rather than as serious football journalists.

"An attitude of arrogance and the belief that they were the main attraction to the Premier League Asia Trophy was misplaced and stood in direct contrast to the other clubs."

While Guardiola poured scorn on those claims, he admitted the Abu Dhabi-owned outfit lack the experience of other European clubs in relation to overseas tours but that he expected City to return to China in the future.

"For our club, there's not a huge experience to go abroad, to go to other countries because we are not Manchester United or Liverpool or Bayern Munich who for a long, long time are travelling on these kind of tours," he said.

"It's a new experience every season. It will help on the pitch what we did last season and of course off the pitch, to show the people how good a team we are and how amazing a club we are and how we are trying to be better every season.

"That's why I'm so proud of what they have done. All the marketing department, all the people who have built this tour and I'm pretty sure, maybe not next season but in two years we are going to come back to China when the club decides to come."

Pep Guardiola made an impassioned defence of Manchester City and his players after criticism in China's state media over his club's "arrogance" during their stopover in Nanjing and Shanghai for last week's Premier League Asia Trophy.

Pep Guardiola made an impassioned defence of Manchester City and his players after criticism in China's state media over his club's "arrogance" during their stopover in Nanjing and Shanghai for last week's Premier League Asia Trophy. The Premier League champions, who played in the four-team tournament with Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United, were lambasted in an editorial in official news agency Xinhua, which claimed Guardiola and his players "lacked enthusiasm" during their five-day stint in China. Speaking in Hong Kong, where City will face local side Kitchee on Wednesday evening, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach said the club had had a positive experience so far during their Asian tour. "I should say that I don't agree and I should say that it's false," said Guardiola. "To make a statement like this they have to know exactly what is happening within our club. "The players had an incredible time in Shanghai. They were committed in all the commercials they have to do with the people here in China. The people from the hotel, we take care of all of them with signatures, with pictures. All the people asking something, we are ready to do that. "So I know we come here (and) it's a unique experience for us. It's not easy to come during the season, to come to Asia, a new culture and to go to the restaurants and know the people. It's amazing to travel and know other people. "I don't understand how the people can say that. Maybe this one journalist is a little bit upset, I don't know why. But it's far away from what is the reality." 'Commercial Obligation' The article on Xinhua's English language website accused City, who are part-owned by the Chinese Media Capital consortium, of lack of engagement with local fans and that staff had adopted a dismissive attitude towards the country's media. "For the Premier League champions, their appearance in China was nothing more than a commercial obligation, and their lack of enthusiasm and the indifferent treatment of their hosts stands in stark contrast to representatives of other clubs," the article stated. "For Manchester City, they saw their recent success as a reason not to treat Chinese and foreigners with the same respect. Above all, it was an orientalist expectation on display by the Manchester City press relations staff that Chinese media would operate as an extension of their PR department, rather than as serious football journalists. "An attitude of arrogance and the belief that they were the main attraction to the Premier League Asia Trophy was misplaced and stood in direct contrast to the other clubs." While Guardiola poured scorn on those claims, he admitted the Abu Dhabi-owned outfit lack the experience of other European clubs in relation to overseas tours but that he expected City to return to China in the future. "For our club, there's not a huge experience to go abroad, to go to other countries because we are not Manchester United or Liverpool or Bayern Munich who for a long, long time are travelling on these kind of tours," he said. "It's a new experience every season. It will help on the pitch what we did last season and of course off the pitch, to show the people how good a team we are and how amazing a club we are and how we are trying to be better every season. "That's why I'm so proud of what they have done. All the marketing department, all the people who have built this tour and I'm pretty sure, maybe not next season but in two years we are going to come back to China when the club decides to come."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola dismisses Chinese media criticism

Manchester City will strive to unlock the full potential of Germany international <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-talks-about-leroy-sanes-exit-rumours-219607&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7yoKR673jAhXI_XMBHWGPDScQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1yk_6IUtbWe2x9CcrbtrgB">Leroy Sane</a> but can only develop players happy to be with the Premier League champions, manager Pep Guardiola said.

The 23-year-old winger has long been linked with a switch to German giants Bayern Munich.

He has been offered a contract extension at City but is yet to sign, having struggled to hold down a regular starting spot last season.

"The club made him an offer last year... I have said many times, we want people happy to be here," Guardiola told a news conference after City defeated West Ham United 4-1 in their Premier League Asia Trophy clash in Nanjing.

Sane, whose contract expires in 2021, provided an assist in the match to earn praise from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-requests-danny-rose-to-fight-racism-and-not-to-walk-away-from-football-208253&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7yoKR673jAhXI_XMBHWGPDScQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw33qcXk9Sx4jZEqqDw17Pqk">Guardiola </a>who said City could still improve the 2017-18 PFA Young Player of the Year.

"We are going to help him be the best, we know his potential and what level he is. He has a special quality that is difficult to find around the world," Guardiola added.

"He knows, they all know... how difficult it is to play (regularly), because of the quality we have.''

"But at the same time, I spoke to the club 10 times (to say) I want people here to be happy. If they don't want, they go. The desire to have him... is always there," Guardiola said.

City start their title defence away at West Ham on August&nbsp;10.

Manchester City will strive to unlock the full potential of Germany international Leroy Sane but can only develop players happy to be with the Premier League champions, manager Pep Guardiola said.

Manchester City will strive to unlock the full potential of Germany international Leroy Sane but can only develop players happy to be with the Premier League champions, manager Pep Guardiola said. The 23-year-old winger has long been linked with a switch to German giants Bayern Munich. He has been offered a contract extension at City but is yet to sign, having struggled to hold down a regular starting spot last season. "The club made him an offer last year... I have said many times, we want people happy to be here," Guardiola told a news conference after City defeated West Ham United 4-1 in their Premier League Asia Trophy clash in Nanjing. Sane, whose contract expires in 2021, provided an assist in the match to earn praise from Guardiola who said City could still improve the 2017-18 PFA Young Player of the Year. "We are going to help him be the best, we know his potential and what level he is. He has a special quality that is difficult to find around the world," Guardiola added. "He knows, they all know... how difficult it is to play (regularly), because of the quality we have.'' "But at the same time, I spoke to the club 10 times (to say) I want people here to be happy. If they don't want, they go. The desire to have him... is always there," Guardiola said. City start their title defence away at West Ham on August 10.

Pep Guardiola hails Leroy Sane but wants only 'happy players' at Manchester City

Premier League champions <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-players-that-led-manchester-city-to-english-premier-league-glory-218210&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF9Nf0rZvjAhUDuo8KHbggCiYQFjACegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Kvh2pYloodz6i4zMXKU3b">Manchester City</a> smashed their transfer record on Thursday with the signing of Spanish international midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid.

The La Liga club announced on Wednesday that City had paid a 70 million euro ($79 million) buyout clause for the tall 23-year-old. City confirmed on their website that Rodri was a record signing.

The deal eclipsed the 60 million pounds ($75 million) they paid Leicester City for Algerian international Riyad Mahrez in July last year.

Rodri - Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante - follows Angelino, the Spanish left-back who joined from PSV Eindhoven, as manager Pep Guardiola’s second signing of the summer.

"Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for," City's director of football Txiki Begiristain told the City website.

"He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession. He is a perfect fit for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/an-incredible-year-guardiola-hails-manchester-citys-history-boys-219822&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF9Nf0rZvjAhUDuo8KHbggCiYQFjADegQIEBAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1e6M3yWo-wccblw2G9OQ-M">Pep Guardiola’</a>s team and we are confident he will be a success,"&nbsp;Begiristain added.

City became the first side to claim the English treble of the league championship as well as the FA Cup and League Cup last season.

"What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I’m looking forward to being part of such a talented squad," said Rodri, who has been compared to Barcelona's Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets.

"It’s not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times. It’s a style that excites me, as do the Club’s ambitions,"&nbsp;Rodri added.

City said the defensive midfielder, seen as a long-term successor to 34-year-old Brazilian Fernandinho, would play in the number 16 shirt.

The squad number was used by Argentine forward Sergio Aguero, who also joined from Atletico Madrid, from 2011 to 2015 and has been vacant since.

City kick off their <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-manchester-city-to-kick-off-premier-league-season-at-west-ham-226813&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF9Nf0rZvjAhUDuo8KHbggCiYQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KCBc9jtES9noDT03z8Wij">2019-20 Premier League</a> season with a trip to West Ham United on August&nbsp;10.

Premier League champions Manchester City smashed their transfer record on Thursday with the signing of Spanish international midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid.

Premier League champions Manchester City smashed their transfer record on Thursday with the signing of Spanish international midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid. The La Liga club announced on Wednesday that City had paid a 70 million euro ($79 million) buyout clause for the tall 23-year-old. City confirmed on their website that Rodri was a record signing. The deal eclipsed the 60 million pounds ($75 million) they paid Leicester City for Algerian international Riyad Mahrez in July last year. Rodri - Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante - follows Angelino, the Spanish left-back who joined from PSV Eindhoven, as manager Pep Guardiola’s second signing of the summer. "Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for," City's director of football Txiki Begiristain told the City website. "He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession. He is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s team and we are confident he will be a success," Begiristain added. City became the first side to claim the English treble of the league championship as well as the FA Cup and League Cup last season. "What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I’m looking forward to being part of such a talented squad," said Rodri, who has been compared to Barcelona's Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets. "It’s not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times. It’s a style that excites me, as do the Club’s ambitions," Rodri added. City said the defensive midfielder, seen as a long-term successor to 34-year-old Brazilian Fernandinho, would play in the number 16 shirt. The squad number was used by Argentine forward Sergio Aguero, who also joined from Atletico Madrid, from 2011 to 2015 and has been vacant since. City kick off their 2019-20 Premier League season with a trip to West Ham United on August 10.

Manchester City sign Spanish midfielder Rodri in club record deal

'An incredible year': Guardiola hails Manchester City's history boys

Manchester City boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Pep+Guardiola">Pep Guardiola</a> talked about the exit rumours of winger Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich.&nbsp;

While addressing the media, Guardiola said, "We are one year, one and a half years, eight months, then trying to extend his contract."

He added, "Why we want to extend the contract is because we want him, we are not going to extend the contract because we don't want him."&nbsp;

Leroy Sane, who has just two years to run on his current contract, played a crucial part in the club's back-to-back Premier League titles.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old has scored 39 goals in 131 games for City.&nbsp;

Guardiola also said that he understood why some players would want to leave the club, as the competition has become intense inside the team.

"It's not easy. If you want to play in four competitions, quadruple, you need Leroy, Sterling, we need Riyad (Mahrez), we need Bernardo (Silva), we need Kevin (De Bruyne), Fernandinho. We cannot compete in the quadruple with just two wingers," added the coach.&nbsp;

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Last training session at CFA. Focused on the <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmiratesFACup</a> final against <a href="https://twitter.com/WatfordFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WatfordFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mancity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mancity</a> <a href="https://t.co/LW2PJS0M9D">pic.twitter.com/LW2PJS0M9D</a>
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Guardiola said that he couldn't offer a guaranteed spot to any player. "They have to fight each other, play the best as possible to convince me to put them in the line-up," said Guardiola.&nbsp;

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola talked about the exit rumours of winger Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich. While addressing the media, Guardiola said, "We are one year, one and a half years, eight months, then trying to extend his contract.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola talked about the exit rumours of winger Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich. While addressing the media, Guardiola said, "We are one year, one and a half years, eight months, then trying to extend his contract." He added, "Why we want to extend the contract is because we want him, we are not going to extend the contract because we don't want him." Leroy Sane, who has just two years to run on his current contract, played a crucial part in the club's back-to-back Premier League titles. The 23-year-old has scored 39 goals in 131 games for City. Guardiola also said that he understood why some players would want to leave the club, as the competition has become intense inside the team. "It's not easy. If you want to play in four competitions, quadruple, you need Leroy, Sterling, we need Riyad (Mahrez), we need Bernardo (Silva), we need Kevin (De Bruyne), Fernandinho. We cannot compete in the quadruple with just two wingers," added the coach. Last training session at CFA. Focused on the @EmiratesFACup final against @WatfordFC #FACup #mancity pic.twitter.com/LW2PJS0M9D — PepTeam (@PepTeam) May 17, 2019 × Guardiola said that he couldn't offer a guaranteed spot to any player. "They have to fight each other, play the best as possible to convince me to put them in the line-up," said Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola talks about Leroy Sane's exit rumours

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/winning-is-so-addictive-says-manchester-city-boss-pep-guardiola-218304/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUs7fv353iAhVFu48KHSrZBGYQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw08xUX_6TjtHN5v5Tgn1IQK">Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola</a> has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season after his side's successful run in the league.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-panel-to-recommend-man-city-champions-league-ban-report-218690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFwdeF4J3iAhWMrY8KHajWCQkQFjADegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1usYPxQXQcbE1uGlIQBbrM">Manchester City</a>, on Sunday, clinched the Premier League title which was their second consecutive title.

Similarly, the 48-year old bagged the award for the second year in a row.

Guardiola gave credit to his players and the staff while calling Liverpool's manager <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-players-to-face-intense-pre-season-ahead-of-spurs-final-218882&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiW95r6353iAhWKvo8KHTgeAmQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1lIbhIy3A09PIdcEqxTw6C">Jurgen Klopp</a>, who was also a nominee for the award, an 'incredible contender'.

"It's an honour to receive this award. I want to share it with my players because they are the artists of everything, to my staff because we fought a lot [against] all the managers in the Premier League, especially Jurgen Klopp, an incredible contender to face till the end," Premier League website quoted Guardiola, as saying.

"It was a pleasure to play against all of them and hopefully do big, big battles again to win an incredible title," he added.

The other nominees were Nuno Espirito Santo, Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino and the winner was decided based on the votes from public combined with those of a panel of football experts.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season after his side's successful run in the league. Manchester City, on Sunday, clinched the Premier League title which was their second consecutive title.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season after his side's successful run in the league. Manchester City, on Sunday, clinched the Premier League title which was their second consecutive title. Similarly, the 48-year old bagged the award for the second year in a row. Guardiola gave credit to his players and the staff while calling Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp, who was also a nominee for the award, an 'incredible contender'. "It's an honour to receive this award. I want to share it with my players because they are the artists of everything, to my staff because we fought a lot [against] all the managers in the Premier League, especially Jurgen Klopp, an incredible contender to face till the end," Premier League website quoted Guardiola, as saying. "It was a pleasure to play against all of them and hopefully do big, big battles again to win an incredible title," he added. The other nominees were Nuno Espirito Santo, Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino and the winner was decided based on the votes from public combined with those of a panel of football experts.

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola bags Premier League manager of the season award

European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend that newly minted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-players-that-led-manchester-city-to-english-premier-league-glory-218210">Premier League champions Manchester City</a> be barred from the Champions League, the New York Times reported Monday.

European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules.

Members of the investigatory chamber of UEFA's financial control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland to finalize their conclusions, the newspaper said.

"The investigatory panel’s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have the final say on the submission to a separate adjudicatory chamber, which could be filed as soon as this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban," the Times said.

It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign, the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there is little time to finalize a sanction.

Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Manchester City vigorously denied any financial irregularities, saying in March they welcomed UEFA's investigation as an opportunity to clear their name.

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City, who were fined 60 million euros ($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules.

But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an "organized and clear" attempt to damage its reputation.

European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend that newly minted Premier League champions Manchester City be barred from the Champions League, the New York Times reported Monday.

European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend that newly minted Premier League champions Manchester City be barred from the Champions League, the New York Times reported Monday. European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules. Members of the investigatory chamber of UEFA's financial control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland to finalize their conclusions, the newspaper said. "The investigatory panel’s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have the final say on the submission to a separate adjudicatory chamber, which could be filed as soon as this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban," the Times said. It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign, the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there is little time to finalize a sanction. Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Manchester City vigorously denied any financial irregularities, saying in March they welcomed UEFA's investigation as an opportunity to clear their name. × City, who were fined 60 million euros ($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules. But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an "organized and clear" attempt to damage its reputation.

UEFA panel may recommend Manchester City Champions League ban: Report

United States President Joe Biden has said that he will run in 2024 re-election if he is in good health.

During an interview on ABC's World News Tonight, when host David Muir asked him whether he still intends to run for re-election, Biden said ''Yes.''

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''I'm a great respecter of fate. Fate has intervened in my life many, many times. If I'm in the health I'm in now, if I'm in good health, then, in fact, I would run again," Biden said.

"Why would I not run against Donald Trump if were the nominee? That would increase the prospect of running," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-to-hold-special-hearing-on-biden-vaccine-mandates-439301">Also read |&nbsp;Supreme Court to hold special hearing on Biden vaccine mandates</a>

It comes after US Vice President Kamala Harris said she has not discussed about running again in 2024 with Biden.

Muir also questioned Biden about the massive surge in Omicron variant of coronavirus and asked him "How do we get it wrong?".

Biden said "Nobody saw it coming. I don't think anybody anticipated that this was going to be as rapidly spreading as it did.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaffe-prone-us-president-joe-biden-now-confuses-six-day-war-with-yom-kippur-battle-433691">Also read |&nbsp;Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle</a>

The 79-year-old underwent an extensive, routine check-up last month during which his powers were briefly transferred to Harris.

According to a detailed report by the White House, Biden had "perceptibly stiffer and less fluid" motion while walking than a year ago, and suffered "increasing frequency and severity of 'throat clearing' and coughing during public speaking engagements."

However, these two symptoms were not considered of immediate concern and did not appear to result from serious conditions as per his physician Kevin O'Connor.

Biden was vaccinated early on against Covid-19 and received a booster shot in September.

He pledged before his election a year ago to be "totally transparent" with voters about all aspects of his health.

Biden is the oldest person to hold the presidency in US history. He does not smoke or drink, and prior to his election worked out at least five days per week, according to a letter released by his election campaign in December 2019. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden has said that he will run in 2024 re-election if he is in good health. During an interview on ABC's World News Tonight, when host David Muir asked him whether he still intends to run for re-election, Biden said ''Yes.

United States President Joe Biden has said that he will run in 2024 re-election if he is in good health. During an interview on ABC's World News Tonight, when host David Muir asked him whether he still intends to run for re-election, Biden said ''Yes.'' ''I'm a great respecter of fate. Fate has intervened in my life many, many times. If I'm in the health I'm in now, if I'm in good health, then, in fact, I would run again," Biden said. "Why would I not run against Donald Trump if were the nominee? That would increase the prospect of running," he added. Also read | Supreme Court to hold special hearing on Biden vaccine mandates It comes after US Vice President Kamala Harris said she has not discussed about running again in 2024 with Biden. Muir also questioned Biden about the massive surge in Omicron variant of coronavirus and asked him "How do we get it wrong?". Biden said "Nobody saw it coming. I don't think anybody anticipated that this was going to be as rapidly spreading as it did.'' Also read | Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle The 79-year-old underwent an extensive, routine check-up last month during which his powers were briefly transferred to Harris. According to a detailed report by the White House, Biden had "perceptibly stiffer and less fluid" motion while walking than a year ago, and suffered "increasing frequency and severity of 'throat clearing' and coughing during public speaking engagements." However, these two symptoms were not considered of immediate concern and did not appear to result from serious conditions as per his physician Kevin O'Connor. Biden was vaccinated early on against Covid-19 and received a booster shot in September. He pledged before his election a year ago to be "totally transparent" with voters about all aspects of his health. Biden is the oldest person to hold the presidency in US history. He does not smoke or drink, and prior to his election worked out at least five days per week, according to a letter released by his election campaign in December 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

'Winning is so addictive,' says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola

A thrilling Premier League title race comes down to the final day of the season on Sunday when Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool will have to make history if they are to overtake leaders Manchester City and end their 29-year domestic title drought.

City lead by a single point, so to get their hands on the trophy Liverpool will have to become the first team in the history of Europe's richest domestic club competition to move above the leaders on the final day.

Pep Guardiola's City are firm favourites to retain the title as they travel to Brighton, a team that narrowly avoided relegation. Liverpool take on Wolves at Anfield, dreaming of a second dramatic turnaround in a week after the memorable 4-0 win against Barcelona on Tuesday that propelled them into the Champions League final.

The last team to start the final day in first place and not win the title were in fact Liverpool in 1989, when Arsenal's 2-0 win at Anfield clinched the old First Division.

Whichever club does win will have earned the trophy the hard way.

City, on 95 points, have won their past 13 Premier League matches to wipe out a seven-point lead for Liverpool and are on the brink of becoming the first team to win successive titles since Manchester United in 2009.

Klopp's men, with 94 points, have recovered from a mid-season stumble to record eight straight victories.

To underline the two clubs' dominance, third-placed Chelsea only have 71 points going into their final game against Leicester City.

Liverpool, who have been English champions 18 times but have not won since the 1989-1990 season, face the scarcely credible scenario of ending the season with the third-highest points tally in Premier League history and a single defeat yet still missing out.

Abu Dhabi-owned City look almost certain to finish off the job and Guardiola said he has so much faith in his players that a pre-match team-talk will not be necessary.

"I don't have to say anything to motivate them. I think my speech on Sunday will be zero," he said.&nbsp;

"They want to win the Premier League. From what I saw in the training sessions, they want to win it, knowing that we can lose it.

"We saw in the Champions League in the last week why this game is amazing. But we want to win. So we are going to go out there at Brighton to try to win the game."

If City only draw and Liverpool beat Wolves, it would hand the title to the Reds.

City cannot quite match the record 100 points they mustered last season but they have shown their ability to dig deep in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Guardiola's side have racked up 91 goals this season, but three of their past four wins have been 1-0 victories, including the nervy match against Leicester on Monday settled by a Vincent Kompany strike. It kept City on course for a historic domestic treble, which would underline their status as the dominant force in the English game.

'It's not in our hands'

Klopp will have to re-focus his players' minds after their heroics against Barcelona as they cling to the hope that City will slip up against Brighton.

"We think about Wolves now," said Klopp, who despite his stellar reputation has not won a major trophy since 2012.

"(Barcelona) was for sure one of the best moments in football history, not only Liverpool. But it has nothing to do with the weekend except that we should be confident."

The Liverpool narrative has changed dramatically since they humiliated Lionel Messi's Spanish giants amid ecstatic scenes at Anfield.

Even if they fall short on Sunday they have the chance to become champions of Europe for a sixth time if they beat fellow Premier League club Tottenham in Madrid on June 1.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether Liverpool finish the weekend on top, Klopp insists he is happy with his team's progress after four years in charge.

"Sunday is our last Premier League game. If we can win it, it's not in our hands what we get, but it doesn't make our season a little bit less good. It's just a different finish," he said.

Behind the front two, all the issues in the Premier League are virtually done and dusted.

Barring a spectacular swing in goal difference, Tottenham will finish above Arsenal and mathematically secure the remaining Champions League spot alongside Chelsea, while the highest Manchester United can finish is fifth.

Wolves, in seventh place, cannot be caught and will earn a Europa League spot provided Watford do not beat City in the FA Cup final.

Fixtures

Sunday (1400 GMT)

Brighton v Manchester City, Burnley v Arsenal, Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, Fulham v Newcastle, Leicester v Chelsea, Liverpool v Wolves, Manchester United v Cardiff, Southampton v Huddersfield, Tottenham v Everton, Watford v West Ham

A thrilling Premier League title race comes down to the final day of the season on Sunday when Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool will have to make history if they are to overtake leaders Manchester City and end their 29-year domestic title drought.

A thrilling Premier League title race comes down to the final day of the season on Sunday when Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool will have to make history if they are to overtake leaders Manchester City and end their 29-year domestic title drought. City lead by a single point, so to get their hands on the trophy Liverpool will have to become the first team in the history of Europe's richest domestic club competition to move above the leaders on the final day. Pep Guardiola's City are firm favourites to retain the title as they travel to Brighton, a team that narrowly avoided relegation. Liverpool take on Wolves at Anfield, dreaming of a second dramatic turnaround in a week after the memorable 4-0 win against Barcelona on Tuesday that propelled them into the Champions League final. The last team to start the final day in first place and not win the title were in fact Liverpool in 1989, when Arsenal's 2-0 win at Anfield clinched the old First Division. Whichever club does win will have earned the trophy the hard way. City, on 95 points, have won their past 13 Premier League matches to wipe out a seven-point lead for Liverpool and are on the brink of becoming the first team to win successive titles since Manchester United in 2009. Klopp's men, with 94 points, have recovered from a mid-season stumble to record eight straight victories. To underline the two clubs' dominance, third-placed Chelsea only have 71 points going into their final game against Leicester City. Liverpool, who have been English champions 18 times but have not won since the 1989-1990 season, face the scarcely credible scenario of ending the season with the third-highest points tally in Premier League history and a single defeat yet still missing out. Abu Dhabi-owned City look almost certain to finish off the job and Guardiola said he has so much faith in his players that a pre-match team-talk will not be necessary. "I don't have to say anything to motivate them. I think my speech on Sunday will be zero," he said. "They want to win the Premier League. From what I saw in the training sessions, they want to win it, knowing that we can lose it. "We saw in the Champions League in the last week why this game is amazing. But we want to win. So we are going to go out there at Brighton to try to win the game." If City only draw and Liverpool beat Wolves, it would hand the title to the Reds. City cannot quite match the record 100 points they mustered last season but they have shown their ability to dig deep in recent weeks. Guardiola's side have racked up 91 goals this season, but three of their past four wins have been 1-0 victories, including the nervy match against Leicester on Monday settled by a Vincent Kompany strike. It kept City on course for a historic domestic treble, which would underline their status as the dominant force in the English game. 'It's not in our hands' Klopp will have to re-focus his players' minds after their heroics against Barcelona as they cling to the hope that City will slip up against Brighton. "We think about Wolves now," said Klopp, who despite his stellar reputation has not won a major trophy since 2012. "(Barcelona) was for sure one of the best moments in football history, not only Liverpool. But it has nothing to do with the weekend except that we should be confident." The Liverpool narrative has changed dramatically since they humiliated Lionel Messi's Spanish giants amid ecstatic scenes at Anfield. Even if they fall short on Sunday they have the chance to become champions of Europe for a sixth time if they beat fellow Premier League club Tottenham in Madrid on June 1. Regardless of whether Liverpool finish the weekend on top, Klopp insists he is happy with his team's progress after four years in charge. "Sunday is our last Premier League game. If we can win it, it's not in our hands what we get, but it doesn't make our season a little bit less good. It's just a different finish," he said. Behind the front two, all the issues in the Premier League are virtually done and dusted. Barring a spectacular swing in goal difference, Tottenham will finish above Arsenal and mathematically secure the remaining Champions League spot alongside Chelsea, while the highest Manchester United can finish is fifth. Wolves, in seventh place, cannot be caught and will earn a Europa League spot provided Watford do not beat City in the FA Cup final. Fixtures Sunday (1400 GMT) Brighton v Manchester City, Burnley v Arsenal, Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, Fulham v Newcastle, Leicester v Chelsea, Liverpool v Wolves, Manchester United v Cardiff, Southampton v Huddersfield, Tottenham v Everton, Watford v West Ham

Man City on brink of Premier League glory, but Liverpool keep dreaming

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's astonishing European fightback proves his side will not give up hope of winning the Premier League until <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-on-brink-of-premier-league-title-as-epic-race-reaches-climax-217323">Manchester City have the trophy in their hands</a> on Sunday.&nbsp;

Klopp's team staged arguably the greatest comeback in Champions League history on Tuesday when they thrashed Barcelona 4-0 to overturn a 3-0 semi-final first-leg deficit.&nbsp;

With an all-English Champions League final against Tottenham set for June 1, Liverpool can pour all their energy into one last push to win their first English title since 1990.&nbsp;

The Reds are one point behind leaders Manchester City heading into their final game of the season against Wolves at Anfield.&nbsp;

City will retain the title if they win at Brighton but a draw or loss for Pep Guardiola's men would open the door for Liverpool to be crowned champions if they defeat Wolves.&nbsp;

Given Brighton's lowly position, the odds are firmly on a City coronation, but Liverpool boss Klopp says this week's astonishing Champions League drama showed anything can happen when the pressure mounts.

Not only did Liverpool author a fightback for the ages, but Tottenham scored three times in their semi-final against Ajax to go through on away goals after trailing 3-0 on aggregate with just 35 minutes left.

"It's been a week of big football moments. But from our point of view it could be a big football moment on the weekend -- the week is not over yet," Klopp said.

"I think at the start of the week most people expected me to be sitting here and saying 'OK, after not being in the Champions League final, it's difficult to be champions'. Well now we are in the final and it is still difficult.

"We are not used to moments of glory but we win from time to time. Focus is not a problem. The only thing we can do is win this game."

In virtually any other season, Liverpool, who have 94 points and have lost only once in the league, would have been champions by now.

Having secured successive Champions League final appearances, the sting of failure will not be quite so sharp if Liverpool do not get a helping hand from Brighton this weekend.

But do not tell that to Klopp and his players.

Reflecting the togetherness and desire fuelling their remarkable season, Klopp revealed Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson will all play through the pain barrier against Wolves.

'It's only pain'

Salah missed the Barcelona game with a concussion, while Henderson (knee) and Robertson (calf) both suffered injuries in that match.

"The famous three words of this week in the dressing room is 'It's only pain'. Very important for all the young lads to learn," Klopp said.

Liverpool fans will be glued to their phones for updates from Brighton as the drama unfolds on Sunday, but Klopp just wants his team to focus on Wolves.

"Maybe our supporters shouldn't celebrate the result before it's 3-0 for Brighton and 87 or 88 minutes played, all the rest is only information, nothing else," Klopp said.

The manager is still waiting for the first trophy of his four-year Liverpool reign, but that pales into comparison with his club's nearly three-decade title drought.

When Liverpool last won the league, it was their 10th title in 15 years -- a period of dominance that came to an unexpected end when Kenny Dalglish resigned as manager in February 1991.

In the barren years since then, Liverpool have finished second four times, most famously falling just short when Steven Gerrard's slip in a defeat against Chelsea allowed City to sneak past them in 2014.

While Liverpool have a special relationship with the European Cup, which they have won five times, this is a club raised on legendary boss Bill Shankly's demand that "the league is our bread and butter, that's the one I want".

Winning their 19th title would spark delirous celebrations across Merseyside and, after what he has witnessed this week, Klopp senses one last miracle could be on the cards.

"Both teams have to win their games. That's not sure (to happen) in the moment, so we have to focus on that," he said.

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's astonishing European fightback proves his side will not give up hope of winning the Premier League until Manchester City have the trophy in their hands on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's astonishing European fightback proves his side will not give up hope of winning the Premier League until Manchester City have the trophy in their hands on Sunday. Klopp's team staged arguably the greatest comeback in Champions League history on Tuesday when they thrashed Barcelona 4-0 to overturn a 3-0 semi-final first-leg deficit. With an all-English Champions League final against Tottenham set for June 1, Liverpool can pour all their energy into one last push to win their first English title since 1990. The Reds are one point behind leaders Manchester City heading into their final game of the season against Wolves at Anfield. City will retain the title if they win at Brighton but a draw or loss for Pep Guardiola's men would open the door for Liverpool to be crowned champions if they defeat Wolves. Given Brighton's lowly position, the odds are firmly on a City coronation, but Liverpool boss Klopp says this week's astonishing Champions League drama showed anything can happen when the pressure mounts. Not only did Liverpool author a fightback for the ages, but Tottenham scored three times in their semi-final against Ajax to go through on away goals after trailing 3-0 on aggregate with just 35 minutes left. "It's been a week of big football moments. But from our point of view it could be a big football moment on the weekend -- the week is not over yet," Klopp said. "I think at the start of the week most people expected me to be sitting here and saying 'OK, after not being in the Champions League final, it's difficult to be champions'. Well now we are in the final and it is still difficult. "We are not used to moments of glory but we win from time to time. Focus is not a problem. The only thing we can do is win this game." In virtually any other season, Liverpool, who have 94 points and have lost only once in the league, would have been champions by now. Having secured successive Champions League final appearances, the sting of failure will not be quite so sharp if Liverpool do not get a helping hand from Brighton this weekend. But do not tell that to Klopp and his players. Reflecting the togetherness and desire fuelling their remarkable season, Klopp revealed Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson will all play through the pain barrier against Wolves. 'It's only pain' Salah missed the Barcelona game with a concussion, while Henderson (knee) and Robertson (calf) both suffered injuries in that match. "The famous three words of this week in the dressing room is 'It's only pain'. Very important for all the young lads to learn," Klopp said. Liverpool fans will be glued to their phones for updates from Brighton as the drama unfolds on Sunday, but Klopp just wants his team to focus on Wolves. "Maybe our supporters shouldn't celebrate the result before it's 3-0 for Brighton and 87 or 88 minutes played, all the rest is only information, nothing else," Klopp said. The manager is still waiting for the first trophy of his four-year Liverpool reign, but that pales into comparison with his club's nearly three-decade title drought. When Liverpool last won the league, it was their 10th title in 15 years -- a period of dominance that came to an unexpected end when Kenny Dalglish resigned as manager in February 1991. In the barren years since then, Liverpool have finished second four times, most famously falling just short when Steven Gerrard's slip in a defeat against Chelsea allowed City to sneak past them in 2014. While Liverpool have a special relationship with the European Cup, which they have won five times, this is a club raised on legendary boss Bill Shankly's demand that "the league is our bread and butter, that's the one I want". Winning their 19th title would spark delirous celebrations across Merseyside and, after what he has witnessed this week, Klopp senses one last miracle could be on the cards. "Both teams have to win their games. That's not sure (to happen) in the moment, so we have to focus on that," he said.

Jurgen Klopp backs Liverpool for Premier League miracle

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola considers Liverpool among the best sides he has faced in his managerial career with the two clubs set to fight for the Premier League title on the final day of the season.

Liverpool have a two-point lead over the defending champions but Guardiola's men have a game in hand and meet Leicester City at home later on Monday.

Liverpool have lost only once in the league this season and are also in the Champions League semi-finals, and Guardiola mentioned Juergen Klopp's side in the same breath as Barcelona's 2014-15 treble-winning team.

"In my career as a manager, I played against incredible sides," Guardiola told The Telegraph. "There are two that were, 'Wow'. One is Barcelona with Luis Enrique, with Neymar, (Lionel) Messi and (Luis) Suarez up front.

"The other is this Liverpool. I think they're the best two sides I've faced as a manager. That's why, arriving at this stage... after 100 points (last season), is the most satisfaction I've had as a manager."

Guardiola also praised his squad's resilience to claw their way back into the title race when they found themselves seven points behind the league leaders in January.

"When you're seven points behind, you could have said, 'It's done' and just think, 'We did it last season'," Guardiola added. "We did the opposite of that.

"The difference is Liverpool. We did the same job (as last season). It's incredible what we have done, but it will make more sense if we are able to lift the Premier League."

The Spaniard, who had previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, said the English top flight was the toughest league he had managed in.

"It's the toughest league I've ever played as a manager, for the quality from the rivals, no doubt," Guardiola said.

"That's why being there is incredible but, of course, only one will take the prize and the other one will be at home sad."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola considers Liverpool among the best sides he has faced in his managerial career with the two clubs set to fight for the Premier League title on the final day of the season.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola considers Liverpool among the best sides he has faced in his managerial career with the two clubs set to fight for the Premier League title on the final day of the season. Liverpool have a two-point lead over the defending champions but Guardiola's men have a game in hand and meet Leicester City at home later on Monday. Liverpool have lost only once in the league this season and are also in the Champions League semi-finals, and Guardiola mentioned Juergen Klopp's side in the same breath as Barcelona's 2014-15 treble-winning team. "In my career as a manager, I played against incredible sides," Guardiola told The Telegraph. "There are two that were, 'Wow'. One is Barcelona with Luis Enrique, with Neymar, (Lionel) Messi and (Luis) Suarez up front. "The other is this Liverpool. I think they're the best two sides I've faced as a manager. That's why, arriving at this stage... after 100 points (last season), is the most satisfaction I've had as a manager." Guardiola also praised his squad's resilience to claw their way back into the title race when they found themselves seven points behind the league leaders in January. "When you're seven points behind, you could have said, 'It's done' and just think, 'We did it last season'," Guardiola added. "We did the opposite of that. "The difference is Liverpool. We did the same job (as last season). It's incredible what we have done, but it will make more sense if we are able to lift the Premier League." The Spaniard, who had previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, said the English top flight was the toughest league he had managed in. "It's the toughest league I've ever played as a manager, for the quality from the rivals, no doubt," Guardiola said. "That's why being there is incredible but, of course, only one will take the prize and the other one will be at home sad."

Liverpool one of the best teams I've faced as manager: Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola does not expect Liverpool to be affected by their Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona as they resume the battle for the Premier League title with his Manchester City side.

Juergen Klopp's men were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">outplayed in a 3-0 loss at the Nou Camp</a> in the first leg on Wednesday, and travel to Newcastle United in their penultimate game of the league campaign on Saturday (May 4).

"I think the game was incredibly good. The game for the semi-final for the Champions League, both sides were incredible. Liverpool were outstanding," Guardiola told reporters ahead of City's home clash against Leicester City on Monday.&nbsp;

Leicester will arrive at the Etihad Stadium with Jamie Vardy in fine form, finding the net 11 times in his last 11 league appearances.

Guardiola hailed Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers' impact on Vardy's style of play since the Northern Irishman took charge at the King Power Stadium in February.

"Brendan (Rodgers) shows his incredible qualities as a manager, the fact that in just two or two and a half months his team is already playing the way he wants to play. Everybody in their positions, his movements are always well coordinated and of course, with incredible quality," he said.

City know that a win over Leicester, followed by victory at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion on the final day of the campaign will ensure City a second consecutive league title.

Guardiola confirmed playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is out of contention for Monday's clash. The Belgium midfielder has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-0 league win over Tottenham Hotspur last month.

The Spanish manager is also unsure about Fernandinho's availability for the match, with the Brazilian midfielder still recovering from a knee injury.

Pep Guardiola does not expect Liverpool to be affected by their Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona as they resume the battle for the Premier League title with his Manchester City side.

Pep Guardiola does not expect Liverpool to be affected by their Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona as they resume the battle for the Premier League title with his Manchester City side. Juergen Klopp's men were outplayed in a 3-0 loss at the Nou Camp in the first leg on Wednesday, and travel to Newcastle United in their penultimate game of the league campaign on Saturday (May 4). "I think the game was incredibly good. The game for the semi-final for the Champions League, both sides were incredible. Liverpool were outstanding," Guardiola told reporters ahead of City's home clash against Leicester City on Monday. Leicester will arrive at the Etihad Stadium with Jamie Vardy in fine form, finding the net 11 times in his last 11 league appearances. Guardiola hailed Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers' impact on Vardy's style of play since the Northern Irishman took charge at the King Power Stadium in February. "Brendan (Rodgers) shows his incredible qualities as a manager, the fact that in just two or two and a half months his team is already playing the way he wants to play. Everybody in their positions, his movements are always well coordinated and of course, with incredible quality," he said. City know that a win over Leicester, followed by victory at Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the campaign will ensure City a second consecutive league title. Guardiola confirmed playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is out of contention for Monday's clash. The Belgium midfielder has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-0 league win over Tottenham Hotspur last month. The Spanish manager is also unsure about Fernandinho's availability for the match, with the Brazilian midfielder still recovering from a knee injury.

European hangover won't derail Liverpool's title bid, says Pep Guardiola

Liverpool will smash the 90-point barrier in the Premier League for the first time unless already-relegated Huddersfield Town produce the biggest shock of the season and avoid defeat at Anfield on Friday.

Victory will also put Liverpool back on top of the table with two games remaining, although the recurring pattern of this most extraordinary title race will likely mean that Manchester City take it back two days later at Burnley.

A seventh successive win for Liverpool would put them on 91 points, five more than their best Premier League haul and a higher total than that of 20 previous title winners since 1992.

Yet the growing fear on Anfield is that they could accumulate 97 -- more than any other side in Premier League history apart from Manchester City last season -- and still be waiting for their first league title since 1990.

City boss Pep Guardiola said on Wednesday after their 2-0 win at Manchester United, an 11th successive victory, that both clubs deserve to win the title and few people would disagree.

The harsh reality is that only one will have that honour and the pendulum has swung towards City.

Liverpool, who face a two-legged Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in the midst of the titanic battle with City, visit Newcastle United in their penultimate league game before finishing at home to a dangerous Wolverhampton Wanderers side.

After the trip to Burnley on Sunday, City, knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Tottenham Hotspur, host Leicester City eight days later and finish at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.

NO CELEBRATIONS

When City scaled the trickiest hurdle in their run-in at Old Trafford there were no mass celebrations by the players, nor Guardiola who knows his team will almost certainly have to win their last three games to retain the title.

"We are on 89 points and Liverpool 88 points and it's tough because there are still three games to play, it is incredible," the Spaniard said. "We still need to win our remaining games, starting on Sunday at Turf Moor."

While the title battle rages on, the scrap for third and fourth spots which bring Champions League plces next season is equally absorbing -- mainly because the four protagonists have been throwing away points like confetti.

Tottenham's last-gasp 1-0 win over Brighton on Tuesday left them in the driving seat and they will host West Ham United on Saturday three points above Chelsea, who travel to sixth-placed Manchester United knowing victory would almost certainly knock Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side out of the equation.

Fifth-placed Arsenal, one point behind Chelsea and reeling after consecutive defeats at home to Crystal Palace and on the road at Wolverhampton Wanderers, travel to Leicester City.

In the fight to avoid relegation, Cardiff City will regard a trip to already-demoted Fulham as an opportunity to crank up the pressure on a Brighton side whose season has hit the buffers.

Victory for 18th-placed Cardiff on Saturday would put them level on points with Brighton who host Newcastle United later.

Brighton also have a greatly superior goal difference but have gone six games without scoring, losing five of them, and after Newcastle they visit Arsenal and host Manchester City.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton knows a clash against the north-east club he formerly managed could be crucial, saying: "We have to get a result, whichever way we do it."

Liverpool will smash the 90-point barrier in the Premier League for the first time unless already-relegated Huddersfield Town produce the biggest shock of the season and avoid defeat at Anfield on Friday.

Liverpool will smash the 90-point barrier in the Premier League for the first time unless already-relegated Huddersfield Town produce the biggest shock of the season and avoid defeat at Anfield on Friday. Victory will also put Liverpool back on top of the table with two games remaining, although the recurring pattern of this most extraordinary title race will likely mean that Manchester City take it back two days later at Burnley. A seventh successive win for Liverpool would put them on 91 points, five more than their best Premier League haul and a higher total than that of 20 previous title winners since 1992. Yet the growing fear on Anfield is that they could accumulate 97 -- more than any other side in Premier League history apart from Manchester City last season -- and still be waiting for their first league title since 1990. City boss Pep Guardiola said on Wednesday after their 2-0 win at Manchester United, an 11th successive victory, that both clubs deserve to win the title and few people would disagree. The harsh reality is that only one will have that honour and the pendulum has swung towards City. Liverpool, who face a two-legged Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in the midst of the titanic battle with City, visit Newcastle United in their penultimate league game before finishing at home to a dangerous Wolverhampton Wanderers side. After the trip to Burnley on Sunday, City, knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Tottenham Hotspur, host Leicester City eight days later and finish at Brighton & Hove Albion. NO CELEBRATIONS When City scaled the trickiest hurdle in their run-in at Old Trafford there were no mass celebrations by the players, nor Guardiola who knows his team will almost certainly have to win their last three games to retain the title. "We are on 89 points and Liverpool 88 points and it's tough because there are still three games to play, it is incredible," the Spaniard said. "We still need to win our remaining games, starting on Sunday at Turf Moor." While the title battle rages on, the scrap for third and fourth spots which bring Champions League plces next season is equally absorbing -- mainly because the four protagonists have been throwing away points like confetti. Tottenham's last-gasp 1-0 win over Brighton on Tuesday left them in the driving seat and they will host West Ham United on Saturday three points above Chelsea, who travel to sixth-placed Manchester United knowing victory would almost certainly knock Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side out of the equation. Fifth-placed Arsenal, one point behind Chelsea and reeling after consecutive defeats at home to Crystal Palace and on the road at Wolverhampton Wanderers, travel to Leicester City. In the fight to avoid relegation, Cardiff City will regard a trip to already-demoted Fulham as an opportunity to crank up the pressure on a Brighton side whose season has hit the buffers. Victory for 18th-placed Cardiff on Saturday would put them level on points with Brighton who host Newcastle United later. Brighton also have a greatly superior goal difference but have gone six games without scoring, losing five of them, and after Newcastle they visit Arsenal and host Manchester City. Brighton manager Chris Hughton knows a clash against the north-east club he formerly managed could be crucial, saying: "We have to get a result, whichever way we do it."

Liverpool eye 97-point total but it may not be enough

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has asked his players to be calm after their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-take-big-step-towards-title-with-derby-win-at-united-213323">crucial win over Manchester United</a> on Wednesday that boosted their Premier League title bid.&nbsp;

With three games left in the season, Manchester City have moved one point ahead of Liverpool and will become the first team to retain the Premier League title since Manchester United in 2009 if the team wins its last three games - against Burnley, Leicester and Brighton.&nbsp;

Guardiola said, "It's time to be calm. Don't read (the newspapers), don't switch on the TV, don't listen to the radio. Be calm, recuperate, sleep good and go to Burnley on Sunday."&nbsp;

Though Guardiola said that Liverpool, who have lost just once this season, are also worthy champions.&nbsp;

"Both teams deserve the title. But it can be just one. The team that is going to lose can't have regrets because they have given everything," he said.&nbsp;

"If we drop points and they have the chance to win, they are going to win the (rest of their) games," he added.&nbsp;

Pep also hailed his players as they have responded to the bitter blow of exiting from the Champions League.&nbsp;

City went out of the European competition on away goals to Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion last week but dusted themselves off to beat Spurs in the Premier League on Saturday before Wednesday's 2-0 Manchester derby win over rivals United.&nbsp;

"That is the most incredible detail for these players. You cannot imagine how tough it was to go out of this beautiful (Champions League) competition when we felt it was there, it was really, really tough," Guardiola said.&nbsp;

"We had Tottenham at home, it wasn’t the best performance, but we had the sunshine, to stay alive in the Premier League... the pressure we had and the way we reacted. That is sometimes more important.&nbsp;

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"Then we come here, our neighbours, the most prestigious team in England... winning with the pressure we had and being there, it was fantastic," the Spaniard added.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has asked his players to be calm after their crucial win over Manchester United on Wednesday that boosted their Premier League title bid.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has asked his players to be calm after their crucial win over Manchester United on Wednesday that boosted their Premier League title bid. With three games left in the season, Manchester City have moved one point ahead of Liverpool and will become the first team to retain the Premier League title since Manchester United in 2009 if the team wins its last three games - against Burnley, Leicester and Brighton. Guardiola said, "It's time to be calm. Don't read (the newspapers), don't switch on the TV, don't listen to the radio. Be calm, recuperate, sleep good and go to Burnley on Sunday." Though Guardiola said that Liverpool, who have lost just once this season, are also worthy champions. "Both teams deserve the title. But it can be just one. The team that is going to lose can't have regrets because they have given everything," he said. "If we drop points and they have the chance to win, they are going to win the (rest of their) games," he added. Pep also hailed his players as they have responded to the bitter blow of exiting from the Champions League. City went out of the European competition on away goals to Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion last week but dusted themselves off to beat Spurs in the Premier League on Saturday before Wednesday's 2-0 Manchester derby win over rivals United. "That is the most incredible detail for these players. You cannot imagine how tough it was to go out of this beautiful (Champions League) competition when we felt it was there, it was really, really tough," Guardiola said. "We had Tottenham at home, it wasn’t the best performance, but we had the sunshine, to stay alive in the Premier League... the pressure we had and the way we reacted. That is sometimes more important. Our brilliant Blues! 💙#MUNMCI highlights ▶️ https://t.co/BxkF81WgGs 🔵 #mancity pic.twitter.com/nn6M07LaBc — Manchester City (@ManCity) April 24, 2019 × "Then we come here, our neighbours, the most prestigious team in England... winning with the pressure we had and being there, it was fantastic," the Spaniard added.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola requests players to be 'calm' after derby win

Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions by Manchester United counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that his <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/title-top-four-and-pride-at-stake-in-massive-manchester-derby-212838&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj_4br8iOjhAhUs7XMBHdFdAa0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2-iqXJ358RhAHAvEcbK8JA">Manchester City</a> players use tactical fouls high up the pitch to disrupt their opponents' rhythm and stop them from launching counterattacks.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Premier League Manchester derby, Solskjaer warned United that City would press hard and foul them in areas of the pitch where they were less likely to receive yellow cards.

"We've got to be ready for their pressing so we've got to defend well, got to be ready for (their) aggression, they will snap at your heels and kick you," Solskjaer said. "There will be fouls, absolutely no doubt about it."

"You don't get the yellow cards (there), do you? But that's just because they commit so many players forward and you can clearly see that they've got them in that mould of trying to win the ball back, and they do make fouls", he said.

Guardiola said Solskjaer's comments could be viewed as an attempt to influence referee Andre Marriner, who will be in charge of the game at Old Trafford.

"That is the reason why, of course," the Spaniard told reporters. "But I don't think it will be successful because we don't do it."

"My side is not built like that, not at all. In 10 seasons as a manager, I never prepared for a game thinking about these things. Never'', he added.

"In football, you sometimes (foul) because the actions are so fast. But I never said we should do it to punish an opponent or cancel them", the United boss said.

City are two points behind leaders Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title and winning their game in hand at sixth-placed United will lift them to the top of the standings with three games remaining.

Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions by Manchester United counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that his Manchester City players use tactical fouls high up the pitch to disrupt their opponents' rhythm and stop them from launching counterattacks.

Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions by Manchester United counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that his Manchester City players use tactical fouls high up the pitch to disrupt their opponents' rhythm and stop them from launching counterattacks. Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Premier League Manchester derby, Solskjaer warned United that City would press hard and foul them in areas of the pitch where they were less likely to receive yellow cards. "We've got to be ready for their pressing so we've got to defend well, got to be ready for (their) aggression, they will snap at your heels and kick you," Solskjaer said. "There will be fouls, absolutely no doubt about it." "You don't get the yellow cards (there), do you? But that's just because they commit so many players forward and you can clearly see that they've got them in that mould of trying to win the ball back, and they do make fouls", he said. Guardiola said Solskjaer's comments could be viewed as an attempt to influence referee Andre Marriner, who will be in charge of the game at Old Trafford. "That is the reason why, of course," the Spaniard told reporters. "But I don't think it will be successful because we don't do it." "My side is not built like that, not at all. In 10 seasons as a manager, I never prepared for a game thinking about these things. Never'', he added. "In football, you sometimes (foul) because the actions are so fast. But I never said we should do it to punish an opponent or cancel them", the United boss said. City are two points behind leaders Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title and winning their game in hand at sixth-placed United will lift them to the top of the standings with three games remaining.

Guardiola shrugs off Solskjaer's 'foul' claims on his team ahead of the Manchester derby

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Manchester United's home ground Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it used to be as City look to win all three points and take the lead in the Premier League title race.

City, who are two points behind league leaders Liverpool, play their game in hand at sixth-placed United on Wednesday (April 24), with the home side looking to make up for lost ground in their own battle for a top-four spot.

United have lost only one league game at home this season but Guardiola, whose side have won on their last two visits to Old Trafford, was confident albeit wary of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team that are hurting after a 4-0 loss at Everton.

City will be without influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend. The Belgian has already missed many games this season with knee and thigh injuries.

Guardiola also addressed speculation around Riyad Mahrez who was reported by British media to be unhappy with his playing time at the club. The Algerian winger has started only 13 of City's 34 league games this season.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Manchester United's home ground Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it used to be as City look to win all three points and take the lead in the Premier League title race.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Manchester United's home ground Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it used to be as City look to win all three points and take the lead in the Premier League title race. City, who are two points behind league leaders Liverpool, play their game in hand at sixth-placed United on Wednesday (April 24), with the home side looking to make up for lost ground in their own battle for a top-four spot. United have lost only one league game at home this season but Guardiola, whose side have won on their last two visits to Old Trafford, was confident albeit wary of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team that are hurting after a 4-0 loss at Everton. City will be without influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend. The Belgian has already missed many games this season with knee and thigh injuries. Guardiola also addressed speculation around Riyad Mahrez who was reported by British media to be unhappy with his playing time at the club. The Algerian winger has started only 13 of City's 34 league games this season.

Old Trafford not a scary venue any more, says Man City's Pep Guardiola

Even by the rarified atmosphere of Manchester derbies, there will seldom have been so much on the line for both sides of the city when Manchester United host Manchester City on Wednesday.

For City, the Premier League title is at stake with Pep Guardiola's men needing to win their remaining four matches to be sure of becoming the first side since United a decade ago to retain the title.

Those days of dominance are long gone for the Red Devils with just a place in the top four and Champions League qualification their target.

However, United also have to restore some sense of pride after a 4-0 thrashing at Everton on Sunday.&nbsp;

Defeat at Goodison Park was United's sixth in eight games, a run that has seen them crash out of the Champions League and FA Cup, as well as slip back down to sixth in the Premier League.

But with Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea also faltering, they remain just three points off the top four.

The momentum and feel good factor built up by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first few months in charge has gone.

Now the Norwegian, only hired on a permanent basis last month, has to show he has the ability to arrest the slump even before a major restructure of his squad takes place in the summer.

Solskjaer questioned the work rate and desire of some of his players on Sunday, making it clear that big changes are needed.

However, he is clinging to the hope that those he currently has to call on will be shocked into a short-term response.

"Against City at Old Trafford on Wednesday, that's the biggest incentive we can have," said Solskjaer after the Everton embarrassment.

"Old Trafford at home, in front of our fantastic fans, they were unbelievable again and they never ever moaned at our players, which they could have, but they've been supportive and I'm sure they will be on Wednesday night."

Yet, there is a dilemma even for United fans keen to halt City's rise.

Should City fail to win at Old Trafford, Liverpool -- historically United's fiercest rivals -- will be just three games away from a first league title in 29 years.

Liverpool have already set their highest ever points tally in the Premier League era of 88 to lead City by two points.

However, Guardiola's men have a game in hand and should they move top once more with a win on Wednesday, would just need to see off Burnley, Leicester and Brighton to guarantee the title.

"With this Liverpool side, our side we know if we lose what happens," warned Guardiola.

City's quest for a quadruple of trophies fell short by the finest of margins as they lost on away goals to Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Champions League last week.

However, they can still claim an unprecedented domestic treble by winning the league and FA Cup over the next month to go with their League Cup win in February.

"I love my team being there," added Guardiola.

"I am not going to criticise them because we are out (of the Champions League). I see every day what we have done over the past two seasons, they show me character every three days.

"I have good players, but they have to do it. And when people expect them to do it, it's harder to do it. That's why we push them but they respond really well. I love my team."

City gained a small measure of revenge on Spurs with a 1-0 league win on Saturday, but victory came at a cost with Kevin de Bruyne unlikely to play again this season due to a hamstring injury.

Even by the rarified atmosphere of Manchester derbies, there will seldom have been so much on the line for both sides of the city when Manchester United host Manchester City on Wednesday.

Even by the rarified atmosphere of Manchester derbies, there will seldom have been so much on the line for both sides of the city when Manchester United host Manchester City on Wednesday. For City, the Premier League title is at stake with Pep Guardiola's men needing to win their remaining four matches to be sure of becoming the first side since United a decade ago to retain the title. Those days of dominance are long gone for the Red Devils with just a place in the top four and Champions League qualification their target. However, United also have to restore some sense of pride after a 4-0 thrashing at Everton on Sunday. Defeat at Goodison Park was United's sixth in eight games, a run that has seen them crash out of the Champions League and FA Cup, as well as slip back down to sixth in the Premier League. But with Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea also faltering, they remain just three points off the top four. The momentum and feel good factor built up by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first few months in charge has gone. Now the Norwegian, only hired on a permanent basis last month, has to show he has the ability to arrest the slump even before a major restructure of his squad takes place in the summer. Solskjaer questioned the work rate and desire of some of his players on Sunday, making it clear that big changes are needed. However, he is clinging to the hope that those he currently has to call on will be shocked into a short-term response. "Against City at Old Trafford on Wednesday, that's the biggest incentive we can have," said Solskjaer after the Everton embarrassment. "Old Trafford at home, in front of our fantastic fans, they were unbelievable again and they never ever moaned at our players, which they could have, but they've been supportive and I'm sure they will be on Wednesday night." Yet, there is a dilemma even for United fans keen to halt City's rise. Should City fail to win at Old Trafford, Liverpool -- historically United's fiercest rivals -- will be just three games away from a first league title in 29 years. Liverpool have already set their highest ever points tally in the Premier League era of 88 to lead City by two points. However, Guardiola's men have a game in hand and should they move top once more with a win on Wednesday, would just need to see off Burnley, Leicester and Brighton to guarantee the title. "With this Liverpool side, our side we know if we lose what happens," warned Guardiola. City's quest for a quadruple of trophies fell short by the finest of margins as they lost on away goals to Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Champions League last week. However, they can still claim an unprecedented domestic treble by winning the league and FA Cup over the next month to go with their League Cup win in February. "I love my team being there," added Guardiola. "I am not going to criticise them because we are out (of the Champions League). I see every day what we have done over the past two seasons, they show me character every three days. "I have good players, but they have to do it. And when people expect them to do it, it's harder to do it. That's why we push them but they respond really well. I love my team." City gained a small measure of revenge on Spurs with a 1-0 league win on Saturday, but victory came at a cost with Kevin de Bruyne unlikely to play again this season due to a hamstring injury.

Title, top four and pride at stake in massive Manchester derby

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said it will take time for his players to get over their UEFA Champions League exit after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cristiano-ronaldos-struggle-to-lionel-messis-double-major-takeaways-from-uefa-champions-league-quarter-finals-211344#son-shines-again-211323">the quarter-finals</a>.&nbsp;

Spurs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspur-stun-manchester-city-to-go-through-after-seven-goal-thriller-var-drama-211309">dashed City's quadruple dream</a> on a dramatic Champions League night at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday - thanks to VAR.&nbsp;

During the pre-match conference, Pep said, "If you believe it doesn't hurt or if you believe we've forgotten about it, I would say no. So, I don't want the players to forget what they leave (what they have lost).&nbsp;

He added, "I don't want to see my players... when people expect we forget what happened on Wednesday for tomorrow, this is not true. We would not be human beings. So, it will take time. It will take (a) long (time)."&nbsp;

Now, City prepare to face Tottenham again in the Premier League match on Saturday.&nbsp;

In UCL's quarter-final clash, Raheem Sterling thought he settled a pulsating contest with a late strike, only for Sergio Aguero to be ruled offside following a review in a dramatic finale.

There was also controversy over what proved the decisive Tottenham goal in a tie which ended 4-4 on aggregate, with Fernando Llorente's bundled effort only given after a lengthy VAR review for suspected handball.

City did win the second leg 4-3, but it was Spurs who prevailed on the away goals rule - they will now face Ajax in the semi-finals.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said it will take time for his players to get over their UEFA Champions League exit after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said it will take time for his players to get over their UEFA Champions League exit after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals. Spurs dashed City's quadruple dream on a dramatic Champions League night at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday - thanks to VAR. During the pre-match conference, Pep said, "If you believe it doesn't hurt or if you believe we've forgotten about it, I would say no. So, I don't want the players to forget what they leave (what they have lost). He added, "I don't want to see my players... when people expect we forget what happened on Wednesday for tomorrow, this is not true. We would not be human beings. So, it will take time. It will take (a) long (time)." Now, City prepare to face Tottenham again in the Premier League match on Saturday. In UCL's quarter-final clash, Raheem Sterling thought he settled a pulsating contest with a late strike, only for Sergio Aguero to be ruled offside following a review in a dramatic finale. There was also controversy over what proved the decisive Tottenham goal in a tie which ended 4-4 on aggregate, with Fernando Llorente's bundled effort only given after a lengthy VAR review for suspected handball. City did win the second leg 4-3, but it was Spurs who prevailed on the away goals rule - they will now face Ajax in the semi-finals.

Will take time for players to get over UCL exit: Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called on the home supporters to give his players their full support as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday's second-leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

But some tickets are still available for the match on the club's website, and Guardiola admitted he was curious to see how the atmosphere turns out for this must-win game for City if it is to stay on track for an unprecedented quadruple this season.

City fans take a poor view of UEFA and routinely boo its anthem when it is played ahead of matches, partly due to a hefty fine the club received from European soccer's governing body in 2014 for breaching financial fair play rules.

But Guardiola is hoping the fans will put their animosity to one side and give the team a lift on Wednesday night.

"At this stage, without supporters, we cannot go through. I'm expecting. I'm really curious to how our fans are going to react tomorrow," Guardiola told a news conference.

"The last 20 months, (the players) are so proud with what they have done.

"They are human beings, they will have bad moments in the games, and at that moment we need our supporters," he said.

When asked what kind of atmosphere he wants, Guardiola replied: "Like Liverpool (league victory in January)...but a little better."

Even if they beat Spurs to reach the semi-finals, City will have no time to rest on their laurels as they face the north London club again in the Premier League on Saturday before visiting local rivals Manchester United on April 24.

With league leaders Liverpool two points ahead of City, who have a game in hand, Guardiola suggested the next seven days were crucial for his side's season.

"If we don't win these games we will be out of two competitions," added. "They are absolute finals for us, I've had that feeling from weeks ago.

"I know how difficult our fixtures are and we play Tottenham and then the derby at Old Trafford and Burnley. All the games are tough. We don't have rest."

Utility player Oleksandr Zinchenko is the only doubt for City after midfielder Fernandinho returned to training following a short-term absence.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called on the home supporters to give his players their full support as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday's second-leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called on the home supporters to give his players their full support as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday's second-leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. But some tickets are still available for the match on the club's website, and Guardiola admitted he was curious to see how the atmosphere turns out for this must-win game for City if it is to stay on track for an unprecedented quadruple this season. City fans take a poor view of UEFA and routinely boo its anthem when it is played ahead of matches, partly due to a hefty fine the club received from European soccer's governing body in 2014 for breaching financial fair play rules. But Guardiola is hoping the fans will put their animosity to one side and give the team a lift on Wednesday night. "At this stage, without supporters, we cannot go through. I'm expecting. I'm really curious to how our fans are going to react tomorrow," Guardiola told a news conference. "The last 20 months, (the players) are so proud with what they have done. "They are human beings, they will have bad moments in the games, and at that moment we need our supporters," he said. When asked what kind of atmosphere he wants, Guardiola replied: "Like Liverpool (league victory in January)...but a little better." Even if they beat Spurs to reach the semi-finals, City will have no time to rest on their laurels as they face the north London club again in the Premier League on Saturday before visiting local rivals Manchester United on April 24. With league leaders Liverpool two points ahead of City, who have a game in hand, Guardiola suggested the next seven days were crucial for his side's season. "If we don't win these games we will be out of two competitions," added. "They are absolute finals for us, I've had that feeling from weeks ago. "I know how difficult our fixtures are and we play Tottenham and then the derby at Old Trafford and Burnley. All the games are tough. We don't have rest." Utility player Oleksandr Zinchenko is the only doubt for City after midfielder Fernandinho returned to training following a short-term absence.

Pep Guardiola calls on Manchester City fans to help side overcome Spurs test

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