Category: Premier League

'Hopefully at United' – Beckham urges Ronaldo to see out his career at Old Trafford

May 9, 2022

David Beckham has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United, and see out his career with the club, despite the big changes on the way at Old Trafford following a disastrous season.

The Portuguese star was seen laughing in disbelief as his team crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Brighton in the Premier League, confirming the club’s worst ever top-flight season.

Previously, United’s worst campaign came in 2013/14, when they finished up with 64 points. However, even if they beat Crystal Palace on the final day of the season, Ralf Rangnick’s side can only take a maximum of 61 points, having won just 16 of their first 37 matches.

Transfers

Man Utd target up to eight summer transfers after Brighton ‘humiliation’ – Paper Round

13 HOURS AGO

As well as breaking their own records – in the wrong way – in terms of points, United have also conceded more goals than ever before, leaving incoming manager Erik ten Hag with a huge job on his hands.

Shoring up (or totally rebuilding) the defence will be one of the Dutchman’s first jobs, but former United midfielder Beckham thinks getting Ronaldo on side is another key task for ten Hag.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Beckham said, “Obviously Cristiano is one of the best players over the last 15 years, with Leo [Messi]. To see him stay on hopefully at United, is important for the fans.”

The former England captain thinks Ronaldo will want to be part of a new era at the club, saying, “It’s important to him – we all know how much Man United means to him.”

Despite clear problems running through the team, Ronaldo has been one of the few shining lights on his return to Old Trafford, scoring 24 goals in all competitions. This season also saw him smash another record, when his hat-trick against Tottenham in March made him FIFA’s all-time top scoring male footballer. His six goals since that day have taken him to 813 goals – eight more than previous record holder Josef Bican.

Beckham thinks the 37-year-old still has more to offer, saying, “To be doing what he’s doing at his age is really incredible, so hopefully it continues for another year or two.”

He’s still doing what he does best, scoring goals. That’s what Cristiano does.

Despite the disappointment on the pitch, Beckham thinks there is room for optimism due to productive decisions being made behind the scenes, adding, “I think there are changes to be made and changes that are happening, we’ve seen that”.

“It’s been a tough end to the season. But it is the end of the season, I’m sure a lot of the fans are thankful of that because it’s been a tough one – full of ups and downs”, he said.

Although many have been left disgruntled, and been heard booing the team on several occasions this season, Beckham has praised United’s fan base for generally sticking by the team.

“The players have done what they can do best, so has the manager. I turned up at the stadium a few months back and every seat was filled so the fans still believe, they support, they turn up for the team”, he said.

“It’s what United fans do. There’s not many teams to have gone through what they’ve gone through in the last few years and still fill out their stadium. There will be changes.”

Premier League

Brighton crush woeful Manchester United as Red Devils’ season suffers new low

YESTERDAY AT 16:03

Premier League

‘We should have tried’ – Rangnick reveals January striker request was rejected

07/05/2022 AT 09:35

'Hopefully at United' – Beckham urges Ronaldo to see out his career at Old Trafford

May 9, 2022

David Beckham has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United, and see out his career with the club, despite the big changes on the way at Old Trafford following a disastrous season.

The Portuguese star was seen laughing in disbelief as his team crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Brighton in the Premier League, confirming the club’s worst ever top-flight season.

Previously, United’s worst campaign came in 2013/14, when they finished up with 64 points. However, even if they beat Crystal Palace on the final day of the season, Ralf Rangnick’s side can only take a maximum of 61 points, having won just 16 of their first 37 matches.

Transfers

Man Utd target up to eight summer transfers after Brighton ‘humiliation’ – Paper Round

21 HOURS AGO

As well as breaking their own records – in the wrong way – in terms of points, United have also conceded more goals than ever before, leaving incoming manager Erik ten Hag with a huge job on his hands.

Shoring up (or totally rebuilding) the defence will be one of the Dutchman’s first jobs, but former United midfielder Beckham thinks getting Ronaldo on side is another key task for ten Hag.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Beckham said, “Obviously Cristiano is one of the best players over the last 15 years, with Leo [Messi]. To see him stay on hopefully at United, is important for the fans.”

The former England captain thinks Ronaldo will want to be part of a new era at the club, saying, “It’s important to him – we all know how much Man United means to him.”

Despite clear problems running through the team, Ronaldo has been one of the few shining lights on his return to Old Trafford, scoring 24 goals in all competitions. This season also saw him smash another record, when his hat-trick against Tottenham in March made him FIFA’s all-time top scoring male footballer. His six goals since that day have taken him to 813 goals – eight more than previous record holder Josef Bican.

Beckham thinks the 37-year-old still has more to offer, saying, “To be doing what he’s doing at his age is really incredible, so hopefully it continues for another year or two.”

He’s still doing what he does best, scoring goals. That’s what Cristiano does.

Despite the disappointment on the pitch, Beckham thinks there is room for optimism due to productive decisions being made behind the scenes, adding, “I think there are changes to be made and changes that are happening, we’ve seen that”.

“It’s been a tough end to the season. But it is the end of the season, I’m sure a lot of the fans are thankful of that because it’s been a tough one – full of ups and downs”, he said.

Although many have been left disgruntled, and been heard booing the team on several occasions this season, Beckham has praised United’s fan base for generally sticking by the team.

“The players have done what they can do best, so has the manager. I turned up at the stadium a few months back and every seat was filled so the fans still believe, they support, they turn up for the team”, he said.

“It’s what United fans do. There’s not many teams to have gone through what they’ve gone through in the last few years and still fill out their stadium. There will be changes.”

Premier League

Brighton crush woeful Manchester United as Red Devils’ season suffers new low

07/05/2022 AT 16:03

Premier League

‘We should have tried’ – Rangnick reveals January striker request was rejected

07/05/2022 AT 09:35

Pogba dice no al City

May 9, 2022

Paul Pogba dejará el Manchester United y, sí, parece que también la ciudad que da nombre tanto al club rojo como al Manchester City, azul y gran rival de su actual conjunto. El francés termina contrato ahora y tiene la opción de elegir su futuro después de no terminar de triunfar en el Manchester United en su retorno desde la Juventus.

El francés se luce con su selección cada vez que aparece en el escenario internacional, pero las lesiones y la irregularidad hace que las dudas pendan sobre su cabeza cada vez que se piensa en su fichaje. Su potencial es innegable y en poder exprimirlo pensó el Manchester City cuando ‘tocó a la puerta’ del centrocampista aún red devil.

Según The Athletic, Paul Pogba tuvo una oferta del Manchester City sobre la mesa para unirse una vez acabra su contrato con el rival de Old Trafford. El francés encajaba en los planes de Guardiola, pero este rechazó la tentativa de mudanza al Etihad Stadium.

Afirma este mismo medio que Pogba estuvo realmente tentado por la oferta y que la consideraba incluso halagadora, pero querría llevar su carrera y su talento a otra ciudad. Aseguran que sus representantes ya se habrían puesto en contacto con el City para comunicarles la negativa del jugador a unirse al club azul.

Pogba tendrá opciones al ser uno de los agentes libres más cotizados del mercado para este verano. Las últimas en salir a la palestra son un posible regreso a la Juventus, donde explotó y se confirmó entre los mejores del mundo, o probar en el Paris Saint-Germain en busca de una Liga de Campeones que falta en el palmarés tanto de club como de jugador.

En caso de regreso a Francia, sería la primera vez que Paul Pogba se desempeña en el fútbol profesional francés. El centrocampista se formó en la academia del Le Havre, una de las más prestigiosas del fútbol galo, y se marchó siendo aún un adolescente al Manchester United en un caso que incluso pasó por los tribunales.

Distintas lesiones han vuelto a lastrar a Pogba en esta temporada en el Manchester United. El medio ha sufrido una lesión en el muslo y en la pantorrila que solo le han permitido jugar 1782 minutos esta campaña en la que apuntaba a ser una de las grandes estrellas del proyecto. El internacional bleu ha firmado un gol y ha repartido, eso sí, hasta nueve asistencias.

Escudo/Bandera M. United

Se aclara el caso Haaland

May 9, 2022

El Bayern reconoce problemas con Gnabry

“Intentamos ofrecer a todos lo mejor, pero también tenemos límites. Hemos tenido muchas conversaciones y tendremos más. Me gusta mucho Serge, el chico es genial, y estaría feliz si se quedara”, afirmaba a Sport1 Hasan Salihamidzic, director deportivo del club muniqués sobre el proceso de renovación del extremo alemán de ascendencia costamarfileña, que finaliza contrato en 2023.

De romperse las negociaciones, el Bayern estaría abocado a plantearse la venta de uno de sus mejores activos (17 goles y 13 asistencias esta temporada). Todo ello con los fantasmas de los casos recientes de Alaba, Kroos o Süle, el más reciente. Sin contar a Lewandowski, que toca la puerta de salida. Es el dolor de cabeza para la directiva bávara, que ya ha renovado a Coman, Ulreich o Thomas Müller.

Aunque no ha sido el único asunto al que ha pasado revista. También habló de uno de los nombres del momento: Erlin Haaland. Pese a que, contrario a la tendencia, surgieron informaciones reflotando un interés del Bayern en el noruego, el bosnio zanjó de raíz las especulaciones: “Este no será el próximo club de Haaland”.

Klopp and Pep are totally fine, promise! – The Warm-Up

May 9, 2022

MONDAY’S BIG STORIES

Klopp and Pep are fine

They’re fine! They’re like, totally cool with it. Seriously, water under the bridge, agree to disagree, it’s nothing. Honestly. Can we just move on now?

Premier League

‘I don’t like this kind of football’ – Klopp slates Spurs’ tactics

YESTERDAY AT 09:22

We’re sure Jurgen Klopp isn’t still thinking about the draw that hampered Liverpool’s title bid or Tottenham’s supposed negative football which earned them a point at Anfield on top of the six they collected against Manchester City this season.

Look, even in his own words Klopp has said it’s “fine… whatever… absolutely fine”.

Except, well, he’s anything but fine with it, taking issue with Tottenham’s 36 per cent possession (let’s hope he didn’t see Newcastle’s tally 10 minutes into the second half at City on Sunday…) and stating that “this kind of football” is not for him, featuring “world-class players” who “block all the balls” (how dare they) and deploy “smart” tactics which “makes it not easier for us” – err, isn’t that the point?
But apart from that, he’s all good, who wants the quadruple anyway, and over in Manchester so is Pep Guardiola. He’s like totally not hung up on the Champions League or anything. Seriously, he’s just super buzzed their Premier League lead is now three points with three to go.

Just see for yourself!

See! Fine.

“One week ago, nobody even…everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone,” he said, although that wasn’t quite the question.

“Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in Europe, not in [the] Premier League, because they’ve only won one in 30 years, but it’s not a problem at all. The situation is what it is.”

No problem at all, says Pep, so that settles that.

Anyway… both interviews were a nice little ‘After Eight’ to the main feast of weekend action, and while City look increasingly likely to beat Liverpool to the title, we can still look forward to a north London derby with extra edge – a place in the Champions League if Arsenal win – on Thursday, and a relegation battle where one points separates three sides.

Maybe that magic 40-point mark won’t be quite the case? Let’s see…

Kerr blimey!

Eight months ago Arsenal Women lay down the gauntlet, beating Chelsea 3-2 on the opening day of the WSL season and then winning their next five games by an aggregate of 20 goals to nil.

It meant Chelsea had some catching up to do, and a shock loss to Reading in December then had them trailing by four points in the 22-game season.

Cue the comeback, an unbeaten one at that, while costly draws for Arsenal – as well as a surprise defeat to now-relegated Birmingham City – saw them lose their grasp on a title that Chelsea would go on to win on the final day yesterday, by just the one point, with manager Emma Hayes calling it “by far and away the best one”.

They did it the hard way, too, overcoming a 2-1 half-time deficit to Manchester United before sealing a 4-2 win. They largely have Sam Kerr to thank, with the FWA Footballer of the Year somehow trumping her equalising goal…

… with an even more stunning second…

“Hallelujah!” Hayes proclaimed, as Golden Boot winner Kerr cut a delirious figure during the title celebrations.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are left picking up the pieces of a near-miss, while their next fortnight – and trophy prospects next season – will be dominated by the choice of Vivianne Miedema, who is yet to decide her future amid reports linking her with Barcelona.

“I really want to win titles,” Miedema told BBC Two yesterday. “This year I haven’t won anything. If I feel like the club is moving in that direction then maybe I [will] stay another year or two years.

“I’m speaking with the club and Jonas [Eidevall]. I will have a couple of weeks holiday and will then make a decision.”

That would be a massive loss, and a sign that the WSL still has some way to go to keep its best players – particularly if the all-conquering Barca come knocking.

IN OTHER NEWS

Hate for Hodgson

Is there a relegation etiquette? Well, there are certainly some expectations, and Roy Hodgson certainly did not meet them on Saturday, opting to applaud the Crystal Palace supporters but skipping the walk over to the Watford fans as “they were a bit too far away” at Selhurst Park.

That, plus the smiles with Wilfried Zaha and some of his other former players, did not entirely go down well with Watford’s supporters… who found it a little distasteful given the little fight their side showed in going down.

To be fair, though. Hodgson was Watford’s third manager of the season and was appointed in January, so despite being paid to care that’s as far as it stretches, really, and given he’s off in the summer he just couldn’t bother caring anyway.

Oh, and pretty funny this chap predicted it all last week!

IN THE CHANNELS

What in the-

RETRO CORNER

Whatever comes of the Todd Boehly era, we’ll just have to wait and find out. In the meantime, it’s 12 years to the day since Chelsea wrapped up their third Premier League title with an emphatic 8-0 win over Wigan.

COMING UP

A relatively quiet night of football but there’s a taste League One play-off second leg as Sunderland take their 1-0 lead to Sheffield Wednesday. There’s also Fiorentina v Roma in Serie A if you fancy.

Champions League

‘No team fights like Real, historic night will be remembered for years’ – Inside Europe

05/05/2022 AT 12:34

Champions League

‘It’s their history!’ – Guardiola after Madrid stun City

05/05/2022 AT 07:17

Klopp and Pep are totally fine, promise! – The Warm-Up

May 9, 2022

MONDAY’S BIG STORIES

Klopp and Pep are fine

They’re fine! They’re like, totally cool with it. Seriously, water under the bridge, agree to disagree, it’s nothing. Honestly. Can we just move on now?

Premier League

‘I don’t like this kind of football’ – Klopp slates Spurs’ tactics

YESTERDAY AT 09:22

We’re sure Jurgen Klopp isn’t still thinking about the draw that hampered Liverpool’s title bid or Tottenham’s supposed negative football which earned them a point at Anfield on top of the six they collected against Manchester City this season.

Look, even in his own words Klopp has said it’s “fine… whatever… absolutely fine”.

Except, well, he’s anything but fine with it, taking issue with Tottenham’s 36 per cent possession (let’s hope he didn’t see Newcastle’s tally 10 minutes into the second half at City on Sunday…) and stating that “this kind of football” is not for him, featuring “world-class players” who “block all the balls” (how dare they) and deploy “smart” tactics which “makes it not easier for us” – err, isn’t that the point?
But apart from that, he’s all good, who wants the quadruple anyway, and over in Manchester so is Pep Guardiola. He’s like totally not hung up on the Champions League or anything. Seriously, he’s just super buzzed their Premier League lead is now three points with three to go.

Just see for yourself!

See! Fine.

“One week ago, nobody even…everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone,” he said, although that wasn’t quite the question.

“Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in Europe, not in [the] Premier League, because they’ve only won one in 30 years, but it’s not a problem at all. The situation is what it is.”

No problem at all, says Pep, so that settles that.

Anyway… both interviews were a nice little ‘After Eight’ to the main feast of weekend action, and while City look increasingly likely to beat Liverpool to the title, we can still look forward to a north London derby with extra edge – a place in the Champions League if Arsenal win – on Thursday, and a relegation battle where one points separates three sides.

Maybe that magic 40-point mark won’t be quite the case? Let’s see…

Kerr blimey!

Eight months ago Arsenal Women lay down the gauntlet, beating Chelsea 3-2 on the opening day of the WSL season and then winning their next five games by an aggregate of 20 goals to nil.

It meant Chelsea had some catching up to do, and a shock loss to Reading in December then had them trailing by four points in the 22-game season.

Cue the comeback, an unbeaten one at that, while costly draws for Arsenal – as well as a surprise defeat to now-relegated Birmingham City – saw them lose their grasp on a title that Chelsea would go on to win on the final day yesterday, by just the one point, with manager Emma Hayes calling it “by far and away the best one”.

They did it the hard way, too, overcoming a 2-1 half-time deficit to Manchester United before sealing a 4-2 win. They largely have Sam Kerr to thank, with the FWA Footballer of the Year somehow trumping her equalising goal…

… with an even more stunning second…

“Hallelujah!” Hayes proclaimed, as Golden Boot winner Kerr cut a delirious figure during the title celebrations.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are left picking up the pieces of a near-miss, while their next fortnight – and trophy prospects next season – will be dominated by the choice of Vivianne Miedema, who is yet to decide her future amid reports linking her with Barcelona.

“I really want to win titles,” Miedema told BBC Two yesterday. “This year I haven’t won anything. If I feel like the club is moving in that direction then maybe I [will] stay another year or two years.

“I’m speaking with the club and Jonas [Eidevall]. I will have a couple of weeks holiday and will then make a decision.”

That would be a massive loss, and a sign that the WSL still has some way to go to keep its best players – particularly if the all-conquering Barca come knocking.

IN OTHER NEWS

Hate for Hodgson

Is there a relegation etiquette? Well, there are certainly some expectations, and Roy Hodgson certainly did not meet them on Saturday, opting to applaud the Crystal Palace supporters but skipping the walk over to the Watford fans as “they were a bit too far away” at Selhurst Park.

That, plus the smiles with Wilfried Zaha and some of his other former players, did not entirely go down well with Watford’s supporters… who found it a little distasteful given the little fight their side showed in going down.

To be fair, though. Hodgson was Watford’s third manager of the season and was appointed in January, so despite being paid to care that’s as far as it stretches, really, and given he’s off in the summer he just couldn’t bother caring anyway.

Oh, and pretty funny this chap predicted it all last week!

IN THE CHANNELS

What in the-

RETRO CORNER

Whatever comes of the Todd Boehly era, we’ll just have to wait and find out. In the meantime, it’s 12 years to the day since Chelsea wrapped up their third Premier League title with an emphatic 8-0 win over Wigan.

COMING UP

A relatively quiet night of football but there’s a taste League One play-off second leg as Sunderland take their 1-0 lead to Sheffield Wednesday. There’s also Fiorentina v Roma in Serie A if you fancy.

Champions League

‘No team fights like Real, historic night will be remembered for years’ – Inside Europe

05/05/2022 AT 12:34

Champions League

‘It’s their history!’ – Guardiola after Madrid stun City

05/05/2022 AT 07:17

El Oporto se busca un problema con Luis Díaz

May 8, 2022

El Bayern reconoce problemas con Gnabry

“Intentamos ofrecer a todos lo mejor, pero también tenemos límites. Hemos tenido muchas conversaciones y tendremos más. Me gusta mucho Serge, el chico es genial, y estaría feliz si se quedara”, afirmaba a Sport1 Hasan Salihamidzic, director deportivo del club muniqués sobre el proceso de renovación del extremo alemán de ascendencia costamarfileña, que finaliza contrato en 2023.

De romperse las negociaciones, el Bayern estaría abocado a plantearse la venta de uno de sus mejores activos (17 goles y 13 asistencias esta temporada). Todo ello con los fantasmas de los casos recientes de Alaba, Kroos o Süle, el más reciente. Sin contar a Lewandowski, que toca la puerta de salida. Es el dolor de cabeza para la directiva bávara, que ya ha renovado a Coman, Ulreich o Thomas Müller.

Aunque no ha sido el único asunto al que ha pasado revista. También habló de uno de los nombres del momento: Erlin Haaland. Pese a que, contrario a la tendencia, surgieron informaciones reflotando un interés del Bayern en el noruego, el bosnio zanjó de raíz las especulaciones: “Este no será el próximo club de Haaland”.

Guardiola says 'everyone in this country supports Liverpool' after City win, Dias out for season

May 8, 2022

Pep Guardiola has claimed “everyone in this country supports Liverpool” after Manchester City took a big step towards winning the Premier League with victory over Newcastle, in a game that saw Ruben Dias suffer a season-ending injury.

City put their midweek Champions League heartbreak against Real Madrid behind them with a crushing 5-0 win at the Etihad.

They are now three points ahead of Liverpool, who drew with Tottenham on Saturday evening.

Premier League

‘Hopefully at United’ – Beckham urges Ronaldo to see out his career at Old Trafford

3 HOURS AGO

Asked by beIN Sports about how close City are now to the title, Guardiola said: “One week ago, nobody even…everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone.

“Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in Europe, not in [the] Premier League, because they’ve only won one in 30 years, but it’s not a problem at all. The situation is what it is.

“We have to do nine points, maybe six right now, it depends on goal difference. Our destiny is in our hands, that’s important.”

Pressed whether he really believed everyone in the country wants Liverpool to win the league, Guardiola replied: “Liverpool alongside United is the most important teams in terms of legacy, history, dramas.

“But we have in the last 11-12 years always been there. I know we are sometimes uncomfortable, but I don’t care. If the people want Liverpool more [to] win than us, it’s not the issue. It’s normal.

“Maybe supporters around the world support more Liverpool than us, but this is not the question.

“The question is, today, during the start of the game, the people supporting us more than ever won the home game. They know that even being out of the Champions League, we can rely on these players. Hopefully we can arrive at the last game here with the chance to be champions.”

Guardiola also said he never doubted his side would bounce back from their defeat to Real Madrid, having been on the cusp of making the final before a remarkable late turnaround.

“With what this team have done, do you have any doubt?” he told Sky Sports.

“We are five years doing this every three days. If some people doubted us they don’t know this team. It’s one of the best groups I ever trained in my life.

“Three points, nine points to play for, four ahead on goal difference. Another final on Wednesday.”

Raheem Sterling scored twice for City while Aymeric Laporte, Phil Foden and Rodri also netted.

The only negative for City was defender Ruben Dias going off at half-time with injury.

Guardiola says Dias is likely to miss the last three games of the season on account of a hamstring injury, along with Kyle Walker and John Stones.

“We have 15.5 players because Nathan [Ake] is not in perfect condition,” said Guardiola.

Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates with team-mates after scoring during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on May 08, 2022 in Manchester, England

Image credit: Getty Images

“I’m not worried because if Phil Foden has to play as central defender, he will play there.

“Ruben, Kyle and John are out until the end of the season. Next pre-season maybe they will be ready.

“[Ruben’s problem is] muscular. Not the same position, but hamstring.”

On the importance of scoring two late goals to improve City’s goal difference, which is now four better than Liverpool’s, Guardiola added: “We talked about that at half-time – the importance of the win. It could have been 3-1 and after we scored two goals at the end. There’s a big difference.”

Jack Grealish produced an impressive showing after missing two chances to score against Real in midweek.

The 26-year-old, who revealed before the game that he has found it a challenge at City since his £100m move from Aston Villa, said: “We knew there’d be pressure on us today after the defeat, we bounced back perfectly. We’ve stuck together which was needed.

“We’ll try to end the season strongly and we did that today.

“Newcastle have been brilliant since January. Today was a perfect response and a perfect performance.

“We just have to go out there and win every game. We’re in the driving seat. We can’t look at what’s going on around us. Fingers crossed.”

Premier League

Klopp and Pep are totally fine, promise! – The Warm-Up

6 HOURS AGO

Premier League

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Guardiola says 'everyone in this country supports Liverpool' after City win, Dias out for season

May 8, 2022

Pep Guardiola has claimed “everyone in this country supports Liverpool” after Manchester City took a big step towards winning the Premier League with victory over Newcastle, in a game that saw Ruben Dias suffer a season-ending injury.

City put their midweek Champions League heartbreak against Real Madrid behind them with a crushing 5-0 win at the Etihad.

They are now three points ahead of Liverpool, who drew with Tottenham on Saturday evening.

Premier League

‘It’s the opposite’ – Klopp responds to Guardiola claims

6 HOURS AGO

Asked by beIN Sports about how close City are now to the title, Guardiola said: “One week ago, nobody even…everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone.

“Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in Europe, not in [the] Premier League, because they’ve only won one in 30 years, but it’s not a problem at all. The situation is what it is.

“We have to do nine points, maybe six right now, it depends on goal difference. Our destiny is in our hands, that’s important.”

Pressed whether he really believed everyone in the country wants Liverpool to win the league, Guardiola replied: “Liverpool alongside United is the most important teams in terms of legacy, history, dramas.

“But we have in the last 11-12 years always been there. I know we are sometimes uncomfortable, but I don’t care. If the people want Liverpool more [to] win than us, it’s not the issue. It’s normal.

“Maybe supporters around the world support more Liverpool than us, but this is not the question.

“The question is, today, during the start of the game, the people supporting us more than ever won the home game. They know that even being out of the Champions League, we can rely on these players. Hopefully we can arrive at the last game here with the chance to be champions.”

Guardiola also said he never doubted his side would bounce back from their defeat to Real Madrid, having been on the cusp of making the final before a remarkable late turnaround.

“With what this team have done, do you have any doubt?” he told Sky Sports.

“We are five years doing this every three days. If some people doubted us they don’t know this team. It’s one of the best groups I ever trained in my life.

“Three points, nine points to play for, four ahead on goal difference. Another final on Wednesday.”

Raheem Sterling scored twice for City while Aymeric Laporte, Phil Foden and Rodri also netted.

The only negative for City was defender Ruben Dias going off at half-time with injury.

Guardiola says Dias is likely to miss the last three games of the season on account of a hamstring injury, along with Kyle Walker and John Stones.

“We have 15.5 players because Nathan [Ake] is not in perfect condition,” said Guardiola.

Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates with team-mates after scoring during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on May 08, 2022 in Manchester, England

Image credit: Getty Images

“I’m not worried because if Phil Foden has to play as central defender, he will play there.

“Ruben, Kyle and John are out until the end of the season. Next pre-season maybe they will be ready.

“[Ruben’s problem is] muscular. Not the same position, but hamstring.”

On the importance of scoring two late goals to improve City’s goal difference, which is now four better than Liverpool’s, Guardiola added: “We talked about that at half-time – the importance of the win. It could have been 3-1 and after we scored two goals at the end. There’s a big difference.”

Jack Grealish produced an impressive showing after missing two chances to score against Real in midweek.

The 26-year-old, who revealed before the game that he has found it a challenge at City since his £100m move from Aston Villa, said: “We knew there’d be pressure on us today after the defeat, we bounced back perfectly. We’ve stuck together which was needed.

“We’ll try to end the season strongly and we did that today.

“Newcastle have been brilliant since January. Today was a perfect response and a perfect performance.

“We just have to go out there and win every game. We’re in the driving seat. We can’t look at what’s going on around us. Fingers crossed.”

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“Jugaremos contra el Newcastle United pensando todavía en ese partido. Sé lo comprometidos que estarán nuestros jugadores, no tengo dudas. Estuvimos cerca, pero el Real Madrid lleva haciendo esto durante muchos años. Tienen esta creencia, esta historia… Di Stéfano, Puskas, Raúl, Cristiano estuvieron ahí y lo hicieron, por eso Rodrygo sabe que tiene que hacerlo también. Luchan pensando en ello. Podríamos haberlo hecho mejor, pero no es fácil. El momento, las circunstancias… Ojalá podamos intentarlo otra vez la próxima temporada. No les diré que lo olviden. Yo todavía tengo aquí el partido contra el Tottenham, que Sterling no marcó por un centímetro. Aún está aquí. El entrenador tiene que recordar los buenos momentos, y ojalá podamos tenerlos. Levantar trofeos es muy bonito, pero a la temporada que viene ya se ha olvidado y tienes que volver a intentarlo”.

Pep Guardiola, Entrenador Manchester City