12 days ago
Enzo Maresca had predicted Phil Foden would score, and he did score. For much of Foden's career that would scarcely have seemed an outlandish prediction. Not now. Foden's had struck 27 times for Manchester City alone in 2023-24. Yet when Ipswich arrived at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, his drought spanned 35 games for City, plus two for England that may have cost him a place at the World Cup.
But there are two Fodens. Maresca remembered the teenage prodigy, the player who had won the individual awards, the seeming generational talent before he became the goal-shy City substitute. "With Phil I said many times, I know him from years ago, for me he's one of the best Premier League players," said the City manager, who had worked with Foden in his previous times at the Etihad Stadium. "And since day one it's my duty to help him to again be one of the best players."
That process got off to something of a false start. By the time City kicked off against Ipswich Foden had, in effect, sat out four-and-three-quarter games. His first-half red card in the Manchester derby was followed by a three-match domestic suspension. He was an unused substitute in the Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Even before being banned, he had been usurped, and under successive managers. In first Pep Guardiola's valedictory season and then Maresca's first in charge, Rayan Cherki has been the No 10 who has starred and sparkled. Foden has provided less magic. Perhaps it says something for the luxuries Maresca enjoys that Foden has felt the more prosaic player in his position.
Perhaps it is an added complication, too, that in Enzo Fernandez he has costly competition emerging, with the £125m signing spending the second half against PSG operating as the most advanced of the midfield trio. A lesson of that defeat may be that, against elite opposition, Maresca requires both Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson to anchor the midfield, perhaps meaning Fernandez is the most advanced of the trio.
#perhaps #enzo #phil
But there are two Fodens. Maresca remembered the teenage prodigy, the player who had won the individual awards, the seeming generational talent before he became the goal-shy City substitute. "With Phil I said many times, I know him from years ago, for me he's one of the best Premier League players," said the City manager, who had worked with Foden in his previous times at the Etihad Stadium. "And since day one it's my duty to help him to again be one of the best players."
That process got off to something of a false start. By the time City kicked off against Ipswich Foden had, in effect, sat out four-and-three-quarter games. His first-half red card in the Manchester derby was followed by a three-match domestic suspension. He was an unused substitute in the Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Even before being banned, he had been usurped, and under successive managers. In first Pep Guardiola's valedictory season and then Maresca's first in charge, Rayan Cherki has been the No 10 who has starred and sparkled. Foden has provided less magic. Perhaps it says something for the luxuries Maresca enjoys that Foden has felt the more prosaic player in his position.
Perhaps it is an added complication, too, that in Enzo Fernandez he has costly competition emerging, with the £125m signing spending the second half against PSG operating as the most advanced of the midfield trio. A lesson of that defeat may be that, against elite opposition, Maresca requires both Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson to anchor the midfield, perhaps meaning Fernandez is the most advanced of the trio.
#perhaps #enzo #phil
2 months ago
The Manchester City squad is "buying into the idea" of new manager Enzo Maresca, says new captain Ruben Dias.
City spent a Premier League record £458m during the recent transfer window, with incomings including midfield trio Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
But there weren't only major changes to the playing squad. Maresca replaced the legendary Pep Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of last season after 10 years in charge.
Maresca was previously ******* istant to the Spaniard at Etihad Stadium, before spells at Leicester City and Chelsea.
Dias said Guardiola's departure was not an "easy moment for the club", while Maresca was the "perfect person for the job" as he "knew the house so well".
#dias #ruben
City spent a Premier League record £458m during the recent transfer window, with incomings including midfield trio Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
But there weren't only major changes to the playing squad. Maresca replaced the legendary Pep Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of last season after 10 years in charge.
Maresca was previously ******* istant to the Spaniard at Etihad Stadium, before spells at Leicester City and Chelsea.
Dias said Guardiola's departure was not an "easy moment for the club", while Maresca was the "perfect person for the job" as he "knew the house so well".
#dias #ruben
2 months ago
Led by Elliot Anderson, reloaded Man City midfield gets first chance to impress in Manchester derby originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Manchester City were one of the biggest spenders in the free-wheeling 2026 summer transfer window, as the Premier League side made a host of big-money moves ahead of the current season.
Always known as one of the most lavish clubs in the world with their transfer budget, they went especially big this summer as they looked to refurbish the squad in a period of transition after the departure of legendary manager Pep Guardiola.
The club mainly focused on the central midfield position, where multiple key players departed and an immediate refresh was needed to keep the club's levels up.
With the new players now slotting into their established roles and Enzo Maresca's system beginning to become evident, Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford is the perfect showcase for all the pieces to finally come together.
#manchester #transfer #players
Manchester City were one of the biggest spenders in the free-wheeling 2026 summer transfer window, as the Premier League side made a host of big-money moves ahead of the current season.
Always known as one of the most lavish clubs in the world with their transfer budget, they went especially big this summer as they looked to refurbish the squad in a period of transition after the departure of legendary manager Pep Guardiola.
The club mainly focused on the central midfield position, where multiple key players departed and an immediate refresh was needed to keep the club's levels up.
With the new players now slotting into their established roles and Enzo Maresca's system beginning to become evident, Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford is the perfect showcase for all the pieces to finally come together.
#manchester #transfer #players
2 months ago
Enzo Maresca faces his first major test since stepping into Pep Guardiola's shoes as City visit United in the Manchester derby on Sunday, while ******* nal aim to extend their flawless start at Sunderland.
Alongside last season's top two, only newly-promoted Hull remain unbeaten but their brilliant start faces an acid test against Xabi Alonso's free-scoring Chelsea.
At the other end of the table, Fulham have yet to register a point under Alvaro Arbeloa ahead of their tough trip to Liverpool.
AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the weekend's action:
Haaland hungry for more
#enzo
Alongside last season's top two, only newly-promoted Hull remain unbeaten but their brilliant start faces an acid test against Xabi Alonso's free-scoring Chelsea.
At the other end of the table, Fulham have yet to register a point under Alvaro Arbeloa ahead of their tough trip to Liverpool.
AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the weekend's action:
Haaland hungry for more
#enzo
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2 months ago
Real Madrid kicks off its Champions League campaign against Inter Milan on Tuesday, with new coach Jose Mourinho aiming to win the trophy for a third time.
Mourinho is back at Madrid for a second spell after last managing the club in from 2010-13.
He won a league ****** le and the Spanish cup during that time, but not the Champions League. Since then Madrid has gone on to dominate European club soccer's biggest trophy, winning it six more times and extending its record to 15 ****** les.
And while another Champions League would see Mourinho join Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Zinedine Zidane and Bob Paisley on three wins, he doesn't feel the need to make up for the fact that he was unable to lift the trophy when he was last at Madrid.
"I finished my work here in 2013. We won what we won, and we lost what we lost. We gave everything, but it's a closed chapter," Mourinho said. "This has nothing to do with the past — absolutely nothing. These are two different moments in Real Madrid's history.
#madrid #mourinho
Mourinho is back at Madrid for a second spell after last managing the club in from 2010-13.
He won a league ****** le and the Spanish cup during that time, but not the Champions League. Since then Madrid has gone on to dominate European club soccer's biggest trophy, winning it six more times and extending its record to 15 ****** les.
And while another Champions League would see Mourinho join Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Zinedine Zidane and Bob Paisley on three wins, he doesn't feel the need to make up for the fact that he was unable to lift the trophy when he was last at Madrid.
"I finished my work here in 2013. We won what we won, and we lost what we lost. We gave everything, but it's a closed chapter," Mourinho said. "This has nothing to do with the past — absolutely nothing. These are two different moments in Real Madrid's history.
#madrid #mourinho
2 months ago
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will make changes to his starting XI and host a familiar foe, one of his former clubs, in the Champions League on Tuesday night in Inter Milan.
The Italians were the last club Mourinho won the Champions League with in 2010, as an impressive treble convinced Florentino Perez to bring him to the Spanish capital and try and break up FC Barcelona dominance.
Mourinho is charged with completing the same task a decade-and-a-half later, as Madrid have finished the last two seasons trophyless while Barca mopped up five out of the six domestic pieces of silverware on offer.
And while he did it to some extent in 2012 by stopping Pep Guardiola from doing four in a row in La Liga, there were questions about his reign given a lack of glory in the Champions League.
Bringing a 16th big-eared crown to the Bernabeu would forgive whatever the Catalans are doing domestically, and the road to such a possibility begins here in the league phase.
#mourinho #Inter
The Italians were the last club Mourinho won the Champions League with in 2010, as an impressive treble convinced Florentino Perez to bring him to the Spanish capital and try and break up FC Barcelona dominance.
Mourinho is charged with completing the same task a decade-and-a-half later, as Madrid have finished the last two seasons trophyless while Barca mopped up five out of the six domestic pieces of silverware on offer.
And while he did it to some extent in 2012 by stopping Pep Guardiola from doing four in a row in La Liga, there were questions about his reign given a lack of glory in the Champions League.
Bringing a 16th big-eared crown to the Bernabeu would forgive whatever the Catalans are doing domestically, and the road to such a possibility begins here in the league phase.
#mourinho #Inter
2 months ago
Manchester City kick off their 2026/27 Champions League campaign with a visit to Porto, having made a perfect start to their Premier League ***** le tilt.
City are embarking on their first European season without Pep Guardiola in 10 years, with Enzo Maresca at the helm for their fifth meeting with the Portuguese giants.
After back-to-back wins against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace City clung on for a nervy win against promoted side Coventry last time out and will be hoping for a more convincing performance on Tuesday night.
Porto have also made an unbeaten start to their domestic season and are back in Europe's top competition after a two-year absence.
Here's everything you need to know.
#back #made #premier
City are embarking on their first European season without Pep Guardiola in 10 years, with Enzo Maresca at the helm for their fifth meeting with the Portuguese giants.
After back-to-back wins against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace City clung on for a nervy win against promoted side Coventry last time out and will be hoping for a more convincing performance on Tuesday night.
Porto have also made an unbeaten start to their domestic season and are back in Europe's top competition after a two-year absence.
Here's everything you need to know.
#back #made #premier
2 months ago
Manchester City begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign at Porto on Tuesday, the first night of the new league phase and a landmark occasion for Enzo Maresca, who takes charge of a Champions League match for City for the first time since succeeding Pep Guardiola.
Both sides arrive with perfect domestic records, setting up the fifth competitive meeting between two clubs who have never previously finished on the losing side against each other. Porto return to the Champions League proper for the first time since 2023-24 having reclaimed the Primeira Liga ****** le last season, and they arrive full of confidence after seven straight wins in all competitions.
City, by contrast, head to Portugal having laboured to a narrow 1-0 win over Coventry City at the weekend, a game in which club-record £125m signing Enzo Fernandez was thrust into the starting XI earlier than planned following an injury to Nico O'Reilly. Maresca's side have won all three Premier League matches so far this season, though their away form in Europe has been notably shakier than their home record.
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026Kick-off: 20:00 BSTVenue: Estádio do Dragão, PortoReferee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)Last meeting: Porto 0-0 Manchester City, 1 December 2020, Champions League (Group Stage)
Jan Bednarek serves a one-match ban having been sent off in last season's Europa League quarter-final defeat to Nottingham Forest, meaning Nehuen Perez is set to partner Jakub Kiwior in central defence. Victor Froholdt, who was knocked unconscious and hospitalised during last weekend's win over Moreirense, remains sidelined along with Vasco Sousa, Oskar Pietuszewski, Gabriel Mec, Zaidu Sanusi and Samu Aghehowa. Diogo Costa continues in goal behind a defence that has conceded only once in six matches this season.
#champions
Both sides arrive with perfect domestic records, setting up the fifth competitive meeting between two clubs who have never previously finished on the losing side against each other. Porto return to the Champions League proper for the first time since 2023-24 having reclaimed the Primeira Liga ****** le last season, and they arrive full of confidence after seven straight wins in all competitions.
City, by contrast, head to Portugal having laboured to a narrow 1-0 win over Coventry City at the weekend, a game in which club-record £125m signing Enzo Fernandez was thrust into the starting XI earlier than planned following an injury to Nico O'Reilly. Maresca's side have won all three Premier League matches so far this season, though their away form in Europe has been notably shakier than their home record.
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026Kick-off: 20:00 BSTVenue: Estádio do Dragão, PortoReferee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)Last meeting: Porto 0-0 Manchester City, 1 December 2020, Champions League (Group Stage)
Jan Bednarek serves a one-match ban having been sent off in last season's Europa League quarter-final defeat to Nottingham Forest, meaning Nehuen Perez is set to partner Jakub Kiwior in central defence. Victor Froholdt, who was knocked unconscious and hospitalised during last weekend's win over Moreirense, remains sidelined along with Vasco Sousa, Oskar Pietuszewski, Gabriel Mec, Zaidu Sanusi and Samu Aghehowa. Diogo Costa continues in goal behind a defence that has conceded only once in six matches this season.
#champions
2 months ago
New-look Manchester City overcame a spirited challenge from Coventry on Saturday courtesy of an Erling Haaland goal to stay perfect in the Premier League, as blunt Tottenham were held to a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest.
Enzo Maresca is now the man in the Etihad hotseat after the emotional departure of long-serving Pep Guardiola, while there has been significant churn among the playing staff.
One of the new arrivals, Enzo Fernandez, played a major part in City's first-half goal, feeding Antoine ******* yo, who crossed for Haaland to head home his third of the season.
Table-topping City have won all three of their Premier League matches ahead of next week's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Former Chelsea boss Maresca said teams needed "ugly moments" as well as free-flowing football after the stodgy win, in which newly promoted Coventry squandered chances.
#coventry #haaland #saturday
Enzo Maresca is now the man in the Etihad hotseat after the emotional departure of long-serving Pep Guardiola, while there has been significant churn among the playing staff.
One of the new arrivals, Enzo Fernandez, played a major part in City's first-half goal, feeding Antoine ******* yo, who crossed for Haaland to head home his third of the season.
Table-topping City have won all three of their Premier League matches ahead of next week's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Former Chelsea boss Maresca said teams needed "ugly moments" as well as free-flowing football after the stodgy win, in which newly promoted Coventry squandered chances.
#coventry #haaland #saturday
2 months ago
Even with the Premier League's attempts to promote economic restraint and competitive balance, the ******* ans of English men's pro soccer are still spending at record levels.
English clubs spent a record $4.7 billion during the now-concluded summer transfer window, up 11% from the prior milestone set last year and more than triple the level from just five years ago. Manchester City also became the first club to surpass $600 million in a single transfer window, spending $618 million, including $169 million for Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez from rival club Chelsea.
That outlay happened despite the club entering a transition period in its first season without iconic coach Pep Guardiola. Man City, however, has picked right back up under new coach Enzo Maresca, winning its first two matches in the just-started 2026–27 Premier League season.
Premier League spending was predictably top-heavy, with Man City and fellow behemoths Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and defending league champion ******* nal combining for $2.75 billion of the $4.7 billion in total spending. Each of those clubs, however, also sold players, bringing in revenue to help counter the transfer spending outflow.
Eleven of the 20 Premier League clubs, meanwhile, set individual records in their summer transfer spending this year.
#spending #league #billion #club
English clubs spent a record $4.7 billion during the now-concluded summer transfer window, up 11% from the prior milestone set last year and more than triple the level from just five years ago. Manchester City also became the first club to surpass $600 million in a single transfer window, spending $618 million, including $169 million for Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez from rival club Chelsea.
That outlay happened despite the club entering a transition period in its first season without iconic coach Pep Guardiola. Man City, however, has picked right back up under new coach Enzo Maresca, winning its first two matches in the just-started 2026–27 Premier League season.
Premier League spending was predictably top-heavy, with Man City and fellow behemoths Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and defending league champion ******* nal combining for $2.75 billion of the $4.7 billion in total spending. Each of those clubs, however, also sold players, bringing in revenue to help counter the transfer spending outflow.
Eleven of the 20 Premier League clubs, meanwhile, set individual records in their summer transfer spending this year.
#spending #league #billion #club
2 months ago
€1 billion in 18 months: Enzo Fernandez deal means Enzo Maresca has no excuses in first Man City season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
No amount of transfer outlay can make Enzo Maresca's Manchester City task straightforward. Following greats is hard, even for very talented coaches.
Some of the pre-season conversation saw the likes of Unai Emery and David Moyes mentioned alongside Maresca. They succeeded ******* ne Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson at ******* nal and Manchester United respectively and never really had a chance. How on earth can Maresca hope to follow Pep Guardiola successfully?
Emery and Moyes will be mentioned again after any moments of turbulence at the Etihad Stadium this season. Their cautionary tales were cited after ******* nal swept past City 3-0 in the Community Shield. There was a gulf, an unbridgeable chasm.
Of course, part of that was overreaction after a glorified friendly. The narrative of ******* nal being a stable and ******* ured force while half of the Premier League is in flux also appeals to purists' instincts. Other teams are spending hundreds of millions of pounds and sacking managers, just to try to catch up with a team that charted a steady course, trusted the process and finally won the league.
#city #moyes
No amount of transfer outlay can make Enzo Maresca's Manchester City task straightforward. Following greats is hard, even for very talented coaches.
Some of the pre-season conversation saw the likes of Unai Emery and David Moyes mentioned alongside Maresca. They succeeded ******* ne Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson at ******* nal and Manchester United respectively and never really had a chance. How on earth can Maresca hope to follow Pep Guardiola successfully?
Emery and Moyes will be mentioned again after any moments of turbulence at the Etihad Stadium this season. Their cautionary tales were cited after ******* nal swept past City 3-0 in the Community Shield. There was a gulf, an unbridgeable chasm.
Of course, part of that was overreaction after a glorified friendly. The narrative of ******* nal being a stable and ******* ured force while half of the Premier League is in flux also appeals to purists' instincts. Other teams are spending hundreds of millions of pounds and sacking managers, just to try to catch up with a team that charted a steady course, trusted the process and finally won the league.
#city #moyes
2 months ago
When thinking of the greatest managers of the Premier League era, ******* ne Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola are names that belong high on the list.
They are three of the rare breed to have managed 250 games with a single Premier League club, and Mikel Arteta is now the 10th member of that elite group.
Monday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa was the 250th top-flight game in charge for Arteta with the Gunners, and his champions delivered a trademark performance.
At full-time at Villa Park, the travelling supporters sang about how they are going to win the league again with Arteta in charge.
With ******* nal coming into this season as trophy holders, and with transition affecting rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, it is hard to see how the fans' partisan prediction is going to be proved wrong.
#premier #manchester #charge
They are three of the rare breed to have managed 250 games with a single Premier League club, and Mikel Arteta is now the 10th member of that elite group.
Monday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa was the 250th top-flight game in charge for Arteta with the Gunners, and his champions delivered a trademark performance.
At full-time at Villa Park, the travelling supporters sang about how they are going to win the league again with Arteta in charge.
With ******* nal coming into this season as trophy holders, and with transition affecting rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, it is hard to see how the fans' partisan prediction is going to be proved wrong.
#premier #manchester #charge
2 months ago
Everton are actively exploring a deal to bring Jack Grealish back to Merseyside, with discussions under way with Manchester City over another loan move, according to The Athletic. It is a development that fits into a wider and increasingly busy summer for David Moyes, as the club continue shaping their squad for the new campaign at Hill ****** inson Stadium.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and, despite a campaign disrupted by the foot injury he suffered in January, there has remained an appetite inside the club to revisit the arrangement. The 30-year-old managed 22 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six ****** ists before the stress fracture halted his momentum. That output only tells part of the story, with Everton valuing his ability to carry the ball, draw pressure and bring control in advanced areas.
The timing is notable. Everton's wide options are in flux, and several moving parts around the market appear to be influencing this conversation. Earlier in the window, City held interest in Iliman Ndiaye, while Everton were keen on a structure that could have aided Grealish's return. Since then, the picture has shifted, with Tottenham now moving towards Ndiaye and City focusing attention elsewhere in the attacking market.
That leaves Everton pressing on with a route that may still be achievable if the financial terms are workable. Grealish has featured only briefly since returning to City, appearing from the bench in the Community Shield defeat to ****** nal and the Premier League win over Bournemouth, before then being left out of the squad entirely for the victory at Crystal Palace. Read in context, that tends to suggest his place in Pep Guardiola's plans remains uncertain.
There is broader context here too. City have already sanctioned major changes in their squad, and movement in attacking positions has been substantial. Everton, meanwhile, are not standing still. A deal in principle has been reached for Richarlison to return, while the club have also looked into Fulham right-back Kenny Tete as they continue to ****** s solutions in defence.
#deal
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and, despite a campaign disrupted by the foot injury he suffered in January, there has remained an appetite inside the club to revisit the arrangement. The 30-year-old managed 22 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six ****** ists before the stress fracture halted his momentum. That output only tells part of the story, with Everton valuing his ability to carry the ball, draw pressure and bring control in advanced areas.
The timing is notable. Everton's wide options are in flux, and several moving parts around the market appear to be influencing this conversation. Earlier in the window, City held interest in Iliman Ndiaye, while Everton were keen on a structure that could have aided Grealish's return. Since then, the picture has shifted, with Tottenham now moving towards Ndiaye and City focusing attention elsewhere in the attacking market.
That leaves Everton pressing on with a route that may still be achievable if the financial terms are workable. Grealish has featured only briefly since returning to City, appearing from the bench in the Community Shield defeat to ****** nal and the Premier League win over Bournemouth, before then being left out of the squad entirely for the victory at Crystal Palace. Read in context, that tends to suggest his place in Pep Guardiola's plans remains uncertain.
There is broader context here too. City have already sanctioned major changes in their squad, and movement in attacking positions has been substantial. Everton, meanwhile, are not standing still. A deal in principle has been reached for Richarlison to return, while the club have also looked into Fulham right-back Kenny Tete as they continue to ****** s solutions in defence.
#deal
2 months ago
FC Barcelona is wasting no time and is already going all in for Gabriel Jesus. After the definitive 'no' from Atlético de Madrid for Julián Álvarez, the sporting department has radically changed its target. The departure of Robert Lewandowski has left a huge void in the box, and the Brazilian ***** nal striker is the chosen one to fill the role of the reference No. 9, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
At 29 years old, the Seleçao forward is not comfortable with his secondary role in London, where fierce competition has limited his playing time. This lack of prominence has led the player to ask to leave the Premier League in search of a project where he can truly feel important.
His desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt is nothing new. Back in his Palmeiras days, before making the leap to Europe in 2016, Gabriel Jesus dreamed of playing at Camp Nou. Now, the striker is putting maximum pressure on the English club so that talks move forward and his arrival in the Catalan capital is finalized as soon as possible.
There was some caution in the club's offices regarding his physical condition due to the serious knee injury he suffered at the start of 2025. However, Barça's medical staff have reviewed all his reports in detail and confirm that the Brazilian is 100% fit and fully recovered to compete at the highest level from day one.
Gabriel Jesus' numbers speak for themselves: 95 goals for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and more than 30 goals with the Gunners. Gabriel Jesus brings goals, spark, experience in big matches, and that Brazilian street-football flair that can get the Barça fans buzzing.
#time #forward #Barcelona
At 29 years old, the Seleçao forward is not comfortable with his secondary role in London, where fierce competition has limited his playing time. This lack of prominence has led the player to ask to leave the Premier League in search of a project where he can truly feel important.
His desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt is nothing new. Back in his Palmeiras days, before making the leap to Europe in 2016, Gabriel Jesus dreamed of playing at Camp Nou. Now, the striker is putting maximum pressure on the English club so that talks move forward and his arrival in the Catalan capital is finalized as soon as possible.
There was some caution in the club's offices regarding his physical condition due to the serious knee injury he suffered at the start of 2025. However, Barça's medical staff have reviewed all his reports in detail and confirm that the Brazilian is 100% fit and fully recovered to compete at the highest level from day one.
Gabriel Jesus' numbers speak for themselves: 95 goals for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and more than 30 goals with the Gunners. Gabriel Jesus brings goals, spark, experience in big matches, and that Brazilian street-football flair that can get the Barça fans buzzing.
#time #forward #Barcelona
2 months ago
Manchester City faces Crystal Palace on Friday in both teams' second match of the new Premier League season, with City hoping to build on its last-gasp win in the opener after finishing runner-up last year.
Defenders Marc Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol scored in the 84th and 91st minutes to earn the full three points for Manchester City against Bournemouth in Enzo Maresca's first competitive match since taking over as manager from the departed Pep Guardiola.
Maresca told reporters a day before Friday's game at Selhurst Park in London that new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi is settling in with the team but City will be careful with the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder signed from Lille.
"In this case we need to go slowly because he is very young and came from a different country," Maresca said. "So no rush for him but for sure he is going to help us now and in the future."
Here's how Manchester City could line up on Friday:
#manchester #last #palace
Defenders Marc Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol scored in the 84th and 91st minutes to earn the full three points for Manchester City against Bournemouth in Enzo Maresca's first competitive match since taking over as manager from the departed Pep Guardiola.
Maresca told reporters a day before Friday's game at Selhurst Park in London that new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi is settling in with the team but City will be careful with the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder signed from Lille.
"In this case we need to go slowly because he is very young and came from a different country," Maresca said. "So no rush for him but for sure he is going to help us now and in the future."
Here's how Manchester City could line up on Friday:
#manchester #last #palace
2 months ago
Manchester City defender Nico O'Reilly succeeded Morgan Rogers to become the 2026 men's Young Player of the Year at the Professional Footballers' ******* ociations awards.
The 21-year-old paid tribute to former boss Pep Guardiola, who gave the youngster his City debut in 2024.
"Pep was a great manager. He put his trust in me, which I can only be grateful for. He helped me so much on the pitch and off the pitch as a person. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be sat in this position right now. Thank you to him," said O'Reilly.
The versatile playmaker contributed eight goal involvements (five goals) and helped secure nine clean sheets in 34 league outings, scoring twice, and was named player of the match as City beat ******* nal in the League Cup final.
"It means a lot obviously to get recognised by the players that you play with and play around," he added. "It is a huge award to win. Obviously, the players that have won it before have gone on to do massive things themselves."
#player #pitch #play
The 21-year-old paid tribute to former boss Pep Guardiola, who gave the youngster his City debut in 2024.
"Pep was a great manager. He put his trust in me, which I can only be grateful for. He helped me so much on the pitch and off the pitch as a person. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be sat in this position right now. Thank you to him," said O'Reilly.
The versatile playmaker contributed eight goal involvements (five goals) and helped secure nine clean sheets in 34 league outings, scoring twice, and was named player of the match as City beat ******* nal in the League Cup final.
"It means a lot obviously to get recognised by the players that you play with and play around," he added. "It is a huge award to win. Obviously, the players that have won it before have gone on to do massive things themselves."
#player #pitch #play
2 months ago
Jack Grealish is back in the fold at Manchester City... for now.
The 30-year-old is into the final year of his reported £300,000-a-week contract at Etihad Stadium and was discarded by Pep Guardiola in the Spaniard's final season in charge, being allowed to join Everton on a season-long loan deal.
That spell on Merseyside was cut short in January by an Achilles tendon injury, but the Englishman has returned to full fitness and featured in both of City's games so far this season.
Grealish came on during the Community Shield defeat by ******* nal and played the final eight minutes of City's late comeback win over Bournemouth in Sunday's Premier League opener.
The winger appeared to be in good spirits while sitting on the bench against the Cherries and thanked City fans on social media afterwards for a "nice welcome" on his home return.
#city
The 30-year-old is into the final year of his reported £300,000-a-week contract at Etihad Stadium and was discarded by Pep Guardiola in the Spaniard's final season in charge, being allowed to join Everton on a season-long loan deal.
That spell on Merseyside was cut short in January by an Achilles tendon injury, but the Englishman has returned to full fitness and featured in both of City's games so far this season.
Grealish came on during the Community Shield defeat by ******* nal and played the final eight minutes of City's late comeback win over Bournemouth in Sunday's Premier League opener.
The winger appeared to be in good spirits while sitting on the bench against the Cherries and thanked City fans on social media afterwards for a "nice welcome" on his home return.
#city
2 months ago
The future of Nico Gonzalez at Manchester City became painstakingly clear on Sunday. Marc Guehi started in midfield and the Spanish midfielder was an unused substitute in City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth. The fact that Guehi was preferred in midfield to Nico Gonzalez said all you needed to know about where he stands in Enzo Maresca's squad. It has been reported that Nico Gonzalez is set to sign for Newcastle United. That move may not be popular, but it may be for the best for Nico and Manchester City.
Nico Gonzalez is set to complete a permanent move to Newcastle United. Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City and Newcastle have agreed on a £50 million package that will see the Spanish midfielder depart the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. It is reported that Newcastle will pay £47 million plus £3 million in add-ons. Romano also reports that Nico will be a key player for Newcastle as they bid to replace Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.
During his time at Manchester City, Nico Gonzalez didn't really put a foot wrong. He was signed during the January 2025 transfer window when Pep Guardiola's squad was in desperate need of midfield reinforcement. He showed glimpses during the back end of that season that he could grow and become a consistent contributor for Pep Guardiola's side. He did play really well in the Rodri role during the first half of last season. However, when Rodri returned from injury, Nico's opportunities to play dried up.
During the closing stages of last season, Nico Gonzalez was left out of Manchester City's matchday squad altogether. It was thought that with Enzo Maresca coming in the equation could change for Nico. But it has not. Instead, he is on the verge of signing for Newcastle. Also, if Nico had come on as expected, perhaps Manchester City would not have been so eager to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
In the end, perhaps it is the right move for Manchester City to sell Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle. The Spanish midfielder should be an important player for them and he will get the opportunity to play regularly which wasn't going to arrive at City. That is probably the best move for all concerned despite it being an unpopular move.
#newcastle #squad
Nico Gonzalez is set to complete a permanent move to Newcastle United. Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City and Newcastle have agreed on a £50 million package that will see the Spanish midfielder depart the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. It is reported that Newcastle will pay £47 million plus £3 million in add-ons. Romano also reports that Nico will be a key player for Newcastle as they bid to replace Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.
During his time at Manchester City, Nico Gonzalez didn't really put a foot wrong. He was signed during the January 2025 transfer window when Pep Guardiola's squad was in desperate need of midfield reinforcement. He showed glimpses during the back end of that season that he could grow and become a consistent contributor for Pep Guardiola's side. He did play really well in the Rodri role during the first half of last season. However, when Rodri returned from injury, Nico's opportunities to play dried up.
During the closing stages of last season, Nico Gonzalez was left out of Manchester City's matchday squad altogether. It was thought that with Enzo Maresca coming in the equation could change for Nico. But it has not. Instead, he is on the verge of signing for Newcastle. Also, if Nico had come on as expected, perhaps Manchester City would not have been so eager to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
In the end, perhaps it is the right move for Manchester City to sell Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle. The Spanish midfielder should be an important player for them and he will get the opportunity to play regularly which wasn't going to arrive at City. That is probably the best move for all concerned despite it being an unpopular move.
#newcastle #squad
2 months ago
Manchester City showed improvement from the side who were bashed 3-0 by ******* nal in last Sunday's Community Shield - but for most of this game it looked as if Enzo Maresca was going to start with consecutive defeats.
Replacing a legend is always difficult - as David Moyes experienced when Sir Alex Ferguson left neighbours Manchester United in 2013 - and the late comeback will come as a major relief in their first Premier League game without Pep Guardiola in a decade.
City did not exactly promote from within when hiring Maresca, who quit as Chelsea manager at the start of 2026, but the Italian was Guardiola's City ******* istant in 2022-23 and would perhaps be seen as something of a continuity candidate.
It was a very shaky start though and they went 1-0 down at home on the opening day of a Premier League campaign for the first time since 1995-96 - the season they ended up being relegated.
Maresca's team selection confused many, with six players who have played most of their City games in defence starting on Sunday - including Guehi in midfield.
#manchester #premier #league #game
Replacing a legend is always difficult - as David Moyes experienced when Sir Alex Ferguson left neighbours Manchester United in 2013 - and the late comeback will come as a major relief in their first Premier League game without Pep Guardiola in a decade.
City did not exactly promote from within when hiring Maresca, who quit as Chelsea manager at the start of 2026, but the Italian was Guardiola's City ******* istant in 2022-23 and would perhaps be seen as something of a continuity candidate.
It was a very shaky start though and they went 1-0 down at home on the opening day of a Premier League campaign for the first time since 1995-96 - the season they ended up being relegated.
Maresca's team selection confused many, with six players who have played most of their City games in defence starting on Sunday - including Guehi in midfield.
#manchester #premier #league #game
2 months ago
New season, new hair for Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.
Haaland has become famed for his exceptional goal-scoring and his trademark long hair over the past several years.
Ahead of the new Premier League season, though, the Norway international has opted for a new look.
The striker shared a video on his personal YouTube channel of his transformation from long locks to a buzz cut.
In the video, Haaland called another long-haired striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, for his reaction, along with former Man City coach Pep Guardiola, Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher and Man City teammate Jack Grealish.
#city #premier
Haaland has become famed for his exceptional goal-scoring and his trademark long hair over the past several years.
Ahead of the new Premier League season, though, the Norway international has opted for a new look.
The striker shared a video on his personal YouTube channel of his transformation from long locks to a buzz cut.
In the video, Haaland called another long-haired striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, for his reaction, along with former Man City coach Pep Guardiola, Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher and Man City teammate Jack Grealish.
#city #premier
2 months ago
Manchester City usher in the post-Guardiola era by hosting Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Will the Citizens bounce back after their heavy defeat to ******* nal in the Community Shield?
Today's match in Manchester will be played with the following confirmed lineups:
Manchester City: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Guéhi, Gvardiol, Lewis, Anderson, O'Reilly, ******* yo, Foden, Haaland
Cherki, Grealish and Nunes are waiting for their chance on the bench.
#guardiola #bournemouth
Will the Citizens bounce back after their heavy defeat to ******* nal in the Community Shield?
Today's match in Manchester will be played with the following confirmed lineups:
Manchester City: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Guéhi, Gvardiol, Lewis, Anderson, O'Reilly, ******* yo, Foden, Haaland
Cherki, Grealish and Nunes are waiting for their chance on the bench.
#guardiola #bournemouth
2 months ago
Where to watch Man City vs. Bournemouth live stream, TV channel, start time for Premier League match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Matchday one of the 2026/27 Premier League season continues Sunday with a highly-anticipated matchup between Man City and Bournemouth.
The odds are in favor of the home side as they debut at Etihad Stadium, led by Norwegian star striker Erling Haaland. Even after another dominant campaign under Pep Guardiola last season, Man City is entering a new era with Enzo Maresca leading the charge.
Lining up on the other side is Bournemouth, who finished sixth on 57 points last year, and secured themselves in the top-half with European football. The Cherries have been able to challenge Man City in recent meetings, and right winger Rayan will likely act as the club's biggest threat come Sunday.
Who will prevail in Manchester?
#sporting #season #last #preferred
Matchday one of the 2026/27 Premier League season continues Sunday with a highly-anticipated matchup between Man City and Bournemouth.
The odds are in favor of the home side as they debut at Etihad Stadium, led by Norwegian star striker Erling Haaland. Even after another dominant campaign under Pep Guardiola last season, Man City is entering a new era with Enzo Maresca leading the charge.
Lining up on the other side is Bournemouth, who finished sixth on 57 points last year, and secured themselves in the top-half with European football. The Cherries have been able to challenge Man City in recent meetings, and right winger Rayan will likely act as the club's biggest threat come Sunday.
Who will prevail in Manchester?
#sporting #season #last #preferred
2 months ago
Manchester City begin a new era this weekend as Enzo Maresca takes charge of his first Premier League game of the 2026/27 season at home to Bournemouth.
City begin their first season since 2016/17 without Pep Guardiola at the helm, though there is plenty of faith in Maresca, who himself previously served under the Spaniard as an ***** istant manager.
The Italian returns in the top job after an underwhelming spell at Chelsea, and he is tasked with returning City to the summit of the Premier League.
He will have to do it the hard way though, with City having lost the likes of Rodri and Bernardo Silva over the summer. The 3-0 loss to ***** nal in the Community Shield comes too soon to cause real worry, but City will have to make a good start to the season to allay fears of wider troubles across the team.
As for Bournemouth, they begin a new era of their own under Marco Rose, with the German hoping to build on the foundations laid by Andoni Iraola as he leads the Cherries in their first ever season in Europe.
#first
City begin their first season since 2016/17 without Pep Guardiola at the helm, though there is plenty of faith in Maresca, who himself previously served under the Spaniard as an ***** istant manager.
The Italian returns in the top job after an underwhelming spell at Chelsea, and he is tasked with returning City to the summit of the Premier League.
He will have to do it the hard way though, with City having lost the likes of Rodri and Bernardo Silva over the summer. The 3-0 loss to ***** nal in the Community Shield comes too soon to cause real worry, but City will have to make a good start to the season to allay fears of wider troubles across the team.
As for Bournemouth, they begin a new era of their own under Marco Rose, with the German hoping to build on the foundations laid by Andoni Iraola as he leads the Cherries in their first ever season in Europe.
#first
2 months ago
The first front pages of the Mourinho era debut with a scare and a new hero. A guy with a guardian angel, according to As.
Espanyol had Real Madrid on the ropes, and Espí had to arrive in the 90th minute to save the day. 1-2. The first joy for Marca.
Mourinho, true to his combative style, denounced the bullying Vinicius continues to suffer from rivals and fans.
Barça, the reigning champions, begin the league away from home at the Martínez Valero against Elche, with Flick one ****** le away from matching Cruyff and Guardiola in the club of three-time champions.
Going for the third, declare Sport and Mundo Deportivo in unison.
#madrid #marca
Espanyol had Real Madrid on the ropes, and Espí had to arrive in the 90th minute to save the day. 1-2. The first joy for Marca.
Mourinho, true to his combative style, denounced the bullying Vinicius continues to suffer from rivals and fans.
Barça, the reigning champions, begin the league away from home at the Martínez Valero against Elche, with Flick one ****** le away from matching Cruyff and Guardiola in the club of three-time champions.
Going for the third, declare Sport and Mundo Deportivo in unison.
#madrid #marca
2 months ago
Manchester City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Enzo Maresca's first competitive Premier League match in charge of the club.
Maresca succeeds Pep Guardiola after a decade in which City won six league **** les and the Champions League. The Community Shield defeat to **** nal was a difficult beginning, and Sunday offers the first opportunity to put that result behind him.
Jeremy Doku will not feature. The Belgian winger aggravated a calf issue during the Community Shield defeat and has been ruled out for two to three weeks. Savinho is also unavailable, with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the works, and Omar Marmoush is expected to be in the same position should his own move to north London be finalised in time. Matheus Nunes is back in contention after sitting out the Community Shield with a minor muscle problem and could replace Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back.
With Doku sidelined, Maresca is expected to turn to Jack Grealish on the left flank, a role he filled after coming on in the Community Shield. Antoine **** yo, who joined from Bournemouth in January, operates on the opposite side, with Phil Foden retained centrally behind Erling Haaland. Elliot Anderson, a big-money summer signing, continues to partner Mateo Kovačić in central midfield as City look to bed in one of their most significant additions.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his last four Premier League opening weekends and 22 in just 14 appearances during the month of August throughout his career, giving City's attack a reliable focal point regardless of the upheaval elsewhere. Gianluigi Donnarumma continues in goal behind a back four of Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly.
#community #league #city
Maresca succeeds Pep Guardiola after a decade in which City won six league **** les and the Champions League. The Community Shield defeat to **** nal was a difficult beginning, and Sunday offers the first opportunity to put that result behind him.
Jeremy Doku will not feature. The Belgian winger aggravated a calf issue during the Community Shield defeat and has been ruled out for two to three weeks. Savinho is also unavailable, with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the works, and Omar Marmoush is expected to be in the same position should his own move to north London be finalised in time. Matheus Nunes is back in contention after sitting out the Community Shield with a minor muscle problem and could replace Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back.
With Doku sidelined, Maresca is expected to turn to Jack Grealish on the left flank, a role he filled after coming on in the Community Shield. Antoine **** yo, who joined from Bournemouth in January, operates on the opposite side, with Phil Foden retained centrally behind Erling Haaland. Elliot Anderson, a big-money summer signing, continues to partner Mateo Kovačić in central midfield as City look to bed in one of their most significant additions.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his last four Premier League opening weekends and 22 in just 14 appearances during the month of August throughout his career, giving City's attack a reliable focal point regardless of the upheaval elsewhere. Gianluigi Donnarumma continues in goal behind a back four of Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly.
#community #league #city
2 months ago
The post-Pep Guardiola era begins in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as Enzo Maresca's Manchester City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, both clubs starting the season under new management.
Guardiola's decade at City delivered six Premier League **** les, the Champions League and 20 major trophies before his departure this summer. Maresca takes charge for his first league fixture off the back of a chastening 3–0 defeat to **** nal in the Community Shield.
Bournemouth arrive under Marco Rose, who replaces Andoni Iraola after the Spaniard left to take charge of Liverpool. The two sides drew 1–1 at the Vitality Stadium in May, a result that confirmed **** nal as champions.
Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026Kick-off: 14:00 BSTVenue: Etihad StadiumReferee: Jarred GillettVAR: Paul HowardLast meeting: Bournemouth 1–1 Manchester City, 19 May 2026, Premier League
Jeremy Doku aggravated a calf injury in the Community Shield and has been ruled out for two to three weeks. Savinho and, most likely, Omar Marmoush will also miss out as both remain in talks over a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Matheus Nunes returns to contention after a minor muscle problem kept him out of the Community Shield and could come in at right-back.
#city
Guardiola's decade at City delivered six Premier League **** les, the Champions League and 20 major trophies before his departure this summer. Maresca takes charge for his first league fixture off the back of a chastening 3–0 defeat to **** nal in the Community Shield.
Bournemouth arrive under Marco Rose, who replaces Andoni Iraola after the Spaniard left to take charge of Liverpool. The two sides drew 1–1 at the Vitality Stadium in May, a result that confirmed **** nal as champions.
Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026Kick-off: 14:00 BSTVenue: Etihad StadiumReferee: Jarred GillettVAR: Paul HowardLast meeting: Bournemouth 1–1 Manchester City, 19 May 2026, Premier League
Jeremy Doku aggravated a calf injury in the Community Shield and has been ruled out for two to three weeks. Savinho and, most likely, Omar Marmoush will also miss out as both remain in talks over a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Matheus Nunes returns to contention after a minor muscle problem kept him out of the Community Shield and could come in at right-back.
#city
2 months ago
As of right now, Manchester City are short of midfield options ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season getting under way this weekend. Looking at Enzo Maresca's squad, there is Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Nico O'Reilly, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Cherki who will form City's midfield against Bournemouth. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left earlier this week, and Bernardo Silva departed when his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. It has now been revealed that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City. If that report is correct, yet another midfield option could leave Enzo Maresca's squad.
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Newcastle United maintains a strong interest in signing the Spanish midfielder and he is becoming open to the move. Lastly, it is also reported that some of Nico Gonzalez's City teammates are trying to convince him to shun Newcastle's interest and stay at City.
If Craig Hope's report is on the money, Nico Gonzalez is heading for an exit from Manchester City. He'd be another midfielder that City would have to replace. It is seemingly City's plan to replace any player who leaves from this point onwards.
It does seem harsh that Nico Gonzalez has been told he can leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The Spanish midfielder is the only number six in Enzo Maresca's squad. Also, Nico Gonzalez showed during the first half of last season that he can play a role for this City team. He held down the fort superbly well while Rodri was out last season playing in Rodri's role. So there is evidence that Nico is good enough to play in an Enzo Maresca side.
It is hard to see why Pep Guardiola cast Nico Gonzalez aside during the second half of last season. Enzo Maresca seems to prefer Mateo Kovacic in midfield rather than Nico. Maybe Nico isn't thought to be physically strong enough to compete consistently in Manchester City's midfield. Perhaps the issue is that Nico's work in possession isn't up to standard. I'm not sure what the issue but clearly there is something that the majority are missing.
#city #manchester #midfield #season
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Newcastle United maintains a strong interest in signing the Spanish midfielder and he is becoming open to the move. Lastly, it is also reported that some of Nico Gonzalez's City teammates are trying to convince him to shun Newcastle's interest and stay at City.
If Craig Hope's report is on the money, Nico Gonzalez is heading for an exit from Manchester City. He'd be another midfielder that City would have to replace. It is seemingly City's plan to replace any player who leaves from this point onwards.
It does seem harsh that Nico Gonzalez has been told he can leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The Spanish midfielder is the only number six in Enzo Maresca's squad. Also, Nico Gonzalez showed during the first half of last season that he can play a role for this City team. He held down the fort superbly well while Rodri was out last season playing in Rodri's role. So there is evidence that Nico is good enough to play in an Enzo Maresca side.
It is hard to see why Pep Guardiola cast Nico Gonzalez aside during the second half of last season. Enzo Maresca seems to prefer Mateo Kovacic in midfield rather than Nico. Maybe Nico isn't thought to be physically strong enough to compete consistently in Manchester City's midfield. Perhaps the issue is that Nico's work in possession isn't up to standard. I'm not sure what the issue but clearly there is something that the majority are missing.
#city #manchester #midfield #season
2 months ago
In the 2026/27 Premier League season, Manchester City are the Erling Haaland Team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When Pep Guardiola stepped down as Manchester City manager at the end of last season, he was told by one of the club's media that he had conducted nearly 1,150 press conferences.
"Why are you leaving? Because of one thousand, one hundred press conferences!" Guardiola joked in reply, an exchange captured in the new Amazon documentary A Beautiful Obsession.
The Catalan was never less than captivating company on those appointments. Sometimes terse, often illuminating, frequently and acidically sarcastic. Most of the time, Guardiola would plant the headline-making statements expertly. Often, the top line of his briefings would be something he felt compelled to get off his chest, regardless of whether it related to the question just asked.
Now and then, he'd land himself in hot water. After a breakthrough 1-0 win at reigning champions Chelsea in September 2017, the City boss was keen not to get ahead of himself. His team would end the season on a record-breaking 100-point tally, but he did not take beating the competition for granted.
#guardiola #sporting #often
When Pep Guardiola stepped down as Manchester City manager at the end of last season, he was told by one of the club's media that he had conducted nearly 1,150 press conferences.
"Why are you leaving? Because of one thousand, one hundred press conferences!" Guardiola joked in reply, an exchange captured in the new Amazon documentary A Beautiful Obsession.
The Catalan was never less than captivating company on those appointments. Sometimes terse, often illuminating, frequently and acidically sarcastic. Most of the time, Guardiola would plant the headline-making statements expertly. Often, the top line of his briefings would be something he felt compelled to get off his chest, regardless of whether it related to the question just asked.
Now and then, he'd land himself in hot water. After a breakthrough 1-0 win at reigning champions Chelsea in September 2017, the City boss was keen not to get ahead of himself. His team would end the season on a record-breaking 100-point tally, but he did not take beating the competition for granted.
#guardiola #sporting #often
2 months ago
Manchester City signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. Guehi made an immediate impact for Pep Guardiola's side last season and quickly established himself as a valuable piece of Manchester City's defence. Marc Guehi was a late arrival for Manchester City's preseason after his efforts for England at this summer's World Cup. Heading into the 2026-27 season, Guehi's leadership and composure loom as important components of Enzo Maresca's side.
It isn't a stretch to say barely any Manchester City players covered themselves in glory against **** nal in City's 3-0 defeat to **** nal in the FA Community Shield. Enzo Maresca's side looked short of a gallop against an **** nal side that looked determined to send a message. Marc Guehi came on for 37 minutes in the second half and he was by far and away City's best performing defender on the day. Guehi's performance against **** nal isn't the reason why he will be so important for Enzo Maresca. It was just further proof of this.
Marc Guehi is a leader as he was Crystal Palace's captain before he signed for Manchester City. City do need new leaders to emerge in the Enzo Maresca era. Guehi should be one of those despite the fact he has only been at City for less than a year. Marc Guehi isn't a demonstrative figure like Ruben Dias but his quiet manner of leadership should be important to his team.
At the back, and on the ball, Guehi offers the composure that Manchester City need. Abdukodir Khusanov is a better player with Guehi alongside him. The England international is a calming influence in Manchester City's defence. That will be a quality that Enzo Maresca will need to tap into. If you were drawing up Manchester City's best defence, Marc Guehi should be starting in it.
Marc Guehi offers attributes that the Manchester City defence. He is a proven quality centre-back and his composure and leadership will be vital for his team. Guehi looms as a crucial component of Enzo Maresca's side and it is likely that will start to reveal itself as soon as the 2026-27 season begins.
#arsenal #season
It isn't a stretch to say barely any Manchester City players covered themselves in glory against **** nal in City's 3-0 defeat to **** nal in the FA Community Shield. Enzo Maresca's side looked short of a gallop against an **** nal side that looked determined to send a message. Marc Guehi came on for 37 minutes in the second half and he was by far and away City's best performing defender on the day. Guehi's performance against **** nal isn't the reason why he will be so important for Enzo Maresca. It was just further proof of this.
Marc Guehi is a leader as he was Crystal Palace's captain before he signed for Manchester City. City do need new leaders to emerge in the Enzo Maresca era. Guehi should be one of those despite the fact he has only been at City for less than a year. Marc Guehi isn't a demonstrative figure like Ruben Dias but his quiet manner of leadership should be important to his team.
At the back, and on the ball, Guehi offers the composure that Manchester City need. Abdukodir Khusanov is a better player with Guehi alongside him. The England international is a calming influence in Manchester City's defence. That will be a quality that Enzo Maresca will need to tap into. If you were drawing up Manchester City's best defence, Marc Guehi should be starting in it.
Marc Guehi offers attributes that the Manchester City defence. He is a proven quality centre-back and his composure and leadership will be vital for his team. Guehi looms as a crucial component of Enzo Maresca's side and it is likely that will start to reveal itself as soon as the 2026-27 season begins.
#arsenal #season
2 months ago
A new era of the Premier League begins on Friday as defending champions **** nal kick off what looks to one of the most unpredictable seasons in years.
Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City following a decade of dominance coincides with **** nal's return as defending champions for the first time 22 years. Mikel Arteta is now the longest-serving Premier League manager and the relative stability at the Gunners comes in sharp contrast to the upheaval across the top-flight.
Nine Premier League clubs have changed managers over the summer, while Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi begin their first full seasons at Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively. There are many unknowns across the Premier League, with Andoni Iraola taking charge of Liverpool and Xabi Alonso arriving at Chelsea.
Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City were promoted from the Championship last season, replacing the relegated West Ham, Burnley and Wolves, and will hope to take inspiration from a Sunderland side who qualified for Europe last term in their first season back in the top-flight.
How does it play out this time? This is our predicted table...
#premier #manchester #seasons
Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City following a decade of dominance coincides with **** nal's return as defending champions for the first time 22 years. Mikel Arteta is now the longest-serving Premier League manager and the relative stability at the Gunners comes in sharp contrast to the upheaval across the top-flight.
Nine Premier League clubs have changed managers over the summer, while Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi begin their first full seasons at Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively. There are many unknowns across the Premier League, with Andoni Iraola taking charge of Liverpool and Xabi Alonso arriving at Chelsea.
Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City were promoted from the Championship last season, replacing the relegated West Ham, Burnley and Wolves, and will hope to take inspiration from a Sunderland side who qualified for Europe last term in their first season back in the top-flight.
How does it play out this time? This is our predicted table...
#premier #manchester #seasons
