Football

Pep Guardiola has extended his contract with Manchester City, ensuring his continued reign at the helm of the Premier League giants. The Spanish manager, whose previous deal was set to expire at the end of this season, has agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium for at least another year.Guardiola's decision to extend his stay is a testament to the unprecedented success he has overseen at City since his arrival in 2016. Under his guidance, the club has established itself as the dominant force in English football, winning six Premier League titles in seven years. City has also triumphed in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup multiple times under Guardiola's leadership.The Catalan coach's impact on City extends beyond trophies. He has instilled a winning mentality and a distinctive style of play that has made the team one of the most admired in the world. Guardiola's commitment to attacking football and his ability to develop young players have earned him widespread praise.Guardiola's contract extension comes at a time when City faces a slew of alleged financial breaches. The club has been charged with over 100 offenses spanning nine years, ranging from failing to provide accurate financial information to misleading UEFA about sponsorship revenue.Despite the ongoing investigation, Guardiola has expressed his confidence in City's ability to clear its name. He has stated that he welcomes the opportunity to defend the club and its reputation. A verdict in the case is not expected until next year.Guardiola's decision to stay at City is a major boost for the club, which is aiming to maintain its dominance in English football and challenge for major trophies in Europe. The Spaniard's experience, tactical acumen, and winning mentality will be invaluable assets as City navigates the challenges ahead.

Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League has hit a roadblock, as they suffered a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, losing 2-1 to Brighton on Saturday. This setback has left the reigning champions five points behind Liverpool, who extended their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.City's struggles have been compounded by a string of injuries, with star midfielder Rodri out for the season with an ACL injury. The absence of key center backs Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake has further weakened their defense. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has also been struggling with fitness issues.Manager Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration after the Brighton defeat, acknowledging that City's squad is struggling to cope with the mounting injuries. "We cannot do it every three days, three days, four days, three days with the (injury) situation we have," he said.Brighton's victory was sparked by Joao Pedro's equalizer in the 78th minute, followed by Matt O'Riley's winner in the 83rd on his Premier League debut. City's loss marked their first league defeat in 11 months.Meanwhile, Liverpool continued their impressive start under new manager Arne Slot, with goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah securing a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. The Reds have now won nine of their 11 league games this season, putting them in contention for the title.Other notable results in the Premier League included Wolverhampton's first win of the season, a 2-0 victory over Southampton, and Fulham's impressive 2-0 win at Crystal Palace. Brentford bounced back from their loss to Fulham with a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth, while West Ham and Everton played out a 0-0 draw.

Manchester City, reeling from a trio of consecutive defeats, are determined to regain their winning form in their final Premier League encounter before the international break. Pep Guardiola's squad, who face a resurgent Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, succumbed to their first Premier League loss of the season at Bournemouth last week. This setback was compounded by a 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, ending another extended unbeaten run.Guardiola's charges, aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title, trail league leaders Liverpool by a mere two points. However, they are acutely aware of the need to avoid further setbacks. Brighton, on the other hand, enter the fixture following a 1-2 loss at Liverpool last week.The Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City Premier League match will take place on Saturday, November 9, at the American Express Stadium in Brighton. The match will commence at 11 PM IST and will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on Disney+ Hotstar.Manchester City's recent struggles have raised concerns among their supporters. The team's defensive frailties have been exposed, and their attacking prowess has waned. Guardiola will be eager to address these issues and restore his team's confidence before the international break.Brighton, under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, have impressed with their attacking flair and tactical flexibility. They will pose a significant threat to Manchester City, particularly on their home turf. The match promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams with contrasting styles and ambitions.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed concerns over his team's mounting injury crisis ahead of their Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. The English champions have suffered consecutive defeats to Tottenham and Bournemouth, ending their 11-month unbeaten run in the Premier League.Guardiola's squad has been depleted by injuries to key players, including Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who is out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, and John Stones are also sidelined.Kevin De Bruyne could make his first appearance in seven weeks but is unlikely to start, while Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Jeremy Doku, and Savinho are also not fully fit."You know the situation with Rodri, nominated the best player in the world," Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference. "We know we will struggle, and we have to accept that, and it is fine.""The games will be difficult; in previous seasons it was smooth. Personal reasons, injuries, we won six Premier Leagues in seven years. Things change, we have to accept that."Guardiola will face one of his future rivals as Sporting boss Ruben Amorim takes charge of the Portuguese champions for the penultimate time before beginning his role as Manchester United manager.The sides last met in the last 16 of the 2021/22 Champions League when City romped to a 5-0 victory in Lisbon and on aggregate."They have changed players but have the same manager and the same mentality," added Guardiola on the challenge Sporting provide. "Winning the league for the first time in 20 years and then doing it again last season shows what a good job he has done."Bernardo Silva scored twice in City's 5-0 win over Sporting two years ago on his return to Lisbon, where he began his career at Benfica. He urged City not to make excuses despite their injury woes."With a full squad, we are stronger, there's no denying that. We have a lot of unbelievable players missing," said Silva. "We have not been able to count on Kevin for six weeks. Rodri is out for the season and other players out shorter times. But we never find excuses. This club was never about that."Both sides are unbeaten in the new Champions League format with seven points from their opening three matches.

Pep Guardiola, the esteemed manager of Manchester City, has vowed to staunchly defend the club against allegations of financial misconduct. His unwavering support stems from his deep-seated trust in the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners and his profound connection with the City faithful.City is currently embroiled in a protracted legal battle, facing 115 charges of breaching Premier League financial regulations. The club vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting that they possess irrefutable evidence to exonerate themselves. The outcome of the ongoing hearing, dubbed "sport's trial of the century," is not anticipated until 2025.Despite the looming uncertainty, Guardiola remains resolute in his belief in City's integrity. He has repeatedly fielded uncomfortable questions about the case, but his unwavering stance is rooted in his conviction that the club's owners and management are above reproach."I am an integral part of this club, it's in my DNA," Guardiola declared. "As the manager, I am the primary spokesperson, the one who communicates with the fans. I will always defend my club because I trust them implicitly."Guardiola's unwavering support has resonated deeply with City fans, who have witnessed an unprecedented era of success under his stewardship. Six Premier League titles, the club's maiden Champions League triumph, and a plethora of other trophies have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest managers in the club's history.Beyond the silverware, Guardiola's steadfast defense of City's reputation has further endeared him to the supporters. A group of fans has even commissioned a banner in Catalan, expressing their desire for him to extend his stay at the club."I am eternally grateful for their love and support," Guardiola said. "I have felt it from the moment I arrived here. I love this club, and that will never change."However, when pressed about his future plans, Guardiola remained coy. His current contract expires at the end of the season, but he declined to provide any clarity on whether he would sign an extension."I have stated my position from the outset," he said. "When the time is right, we will discuss it."Aside from the off-field challenges, Guardiola faces a demanding fixture schedule this season. The revamped Champions League format includes two additional group games, and City is also set to participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.Guardiola expressed his displeasure with FIFA's request that all teams field their strongest lineups in the Club World Cup. "We will travel with our entire squad," he said. "I will decide who plays. I don't understand how one player can be considered stronger than another."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has launched a scathing attack on critics of the Premier League champions, accusing them of wanting the club "wiped from the face of the Earth" over alleged breaches of financial rules.City, who have dominated English football since Guardiola's arrival in 2016, face a hefty points deduction or even expulsion from the league if found guilty on some or all of the 115 charges relating to financial regulations. A long-awaited hearing into charges brought by the Premier League in February 2023 finally began at the start of the week.Guardiola has claimed previously that some of the club's rivals hope to see them found guilty and he appears in no doubt they would expect punishment to be severe. He brought up the matter unprompted ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium while talking about the tendency of people to overly criticize isolated bad performances."During a season, you can say, 'Oh, it was a bad season'," said Guardiola. "But for performances some people say, 'Oh, it's a disgrace, it is a disaster, it's unacceptable'. No, during 90 minutes it's one bad afternoon when they were better.""But I would say - I'm sorry, I want to defend my club, especially in these modern days when everyone is expecting us not (only) to be relegated, to be disappeared off the face of the Earth, the world - that we have better afternoons than the opponents. That's why we win a lot."City face 80 breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018, plus a further 35 of failing to cooperate with a Premier League investigation. The club stand accused of failing to provide accurate financial information, including revenue from sponsors and salary details of managers and players.However, City have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.Guardiola's comments come amid a backdrop of intense scrutiny on City's finances. The club has been accused of using creative accounting to inflate its revenue and reduce its losses in order to comply with UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations.If found guilty, City could face a range of punishments, including a points deduction, a fine, or even expulsion from the Premier League. The club could also be banned from European competition.The outcome of the hearing is likely to have a significant impact on the future of Manchester City. If found guilty, the club could face a lengthy ban from European competition and a significant points deduction in the Premier League. This could seriously damage the club's reputation and its ability to attract top players.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledges the "advantage" his team will have when they face Arsenal on Sunday, given their extra day of rest. However, the champions are concerned about the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the crucial clash.City played at home in their Champions League draw with Inter Milan on Wednesday, while Arsenal traveled to Italy for their goalless stalemate against Atalanta on Thursday. Guardiola believes the additional 24 hours of recovery could be crucial in the first meeting this season between the two clubs that have finished first and second for the last two seasons.City won both of those title races, leaving Arsenal still waiting for their first English crown since 2004. A victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday would be a significant boost to City's hopes of an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League title.However, City's recovery time advantage might be offset by the potential absence of De Bruyne, who limped off during the draw against Inter. Guardiola said the Belgian midfielder "feels a bit better today" and will be assessed in training on Saturday.Fueled by Erling Haaland's nine goals, City have established themselves as the team to beat once again this season. The champions, who boast a 100 percent record after four league games, sit two points ahead of Arsenal, who have won three and drawn one.Guardiola has a healthy respect for the threat posed by Arsenal, who took the title fight down to the final day last season. "They are a complete team, which is why they've been our biggest rivals in the last two seasons," he said.Although they finished above them, City failed to beat Arsenal last term, losing 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, drawing 0-0 in Manchester, and suffering a penalty shoot-out defeat in the Community Shield."It's always been a tight game in the last few years," Guardiola said. "Every season they are better and better. Both years have been close, but we have been so strong and we are still strong."City would move five points clear of Arsenal with a first victory over them since April 2023. However, Guardiola insists it is far too early in the season for the result to be regarded as significant."In this early stage of the season, nothing more than the mood over the next few games will be decided. In terms of the table, it's not really important," he said. "It'll be more important when we go to London in the second half of the season."

Manchester City is bracing for its Champions League reunion with Inter Milan in the opening round of an expanded tournament that will be "so tough" for the 2023 winner. Pep Guardiola's side defeated Inter 1-0 in the final two seasons ago, with Rodri's goal securing its first Champions League crown on a memorable night in Istanbul.City defender Manuel Akanji is not a fan of the new format due to the increased burden it will place on players in a grueling season that will conclude with Guardiola's men competing in the Club World Cup in the United States.It will be intriguing to see how Guardiola navigates the pursuit of another European title and a fifth successive Premier League crown amid the financial breaches case that could plunge the club into turmoil.Rodri played his first 45 minutes of the season against Brentford after a hamstring injury suffered in the Euro 2024 final victory against England. With England defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker also making their first starts this term, Guardiola is close to having all his stars available just in time for a hectic period.For more than a decade, Paris Saint-Germain's Qatari owners have spent lavishly to attract big stars, but the Champions League crown remained a distant dream. The superstars have all now left the Parc des Princes, and it might sound paradoxical, but the club may be better equipped in its quest for continental glory.Coach Luis Enrique insisted on molding what he had, and his project makes sense. Enrique asked for the recruitment of less-known but excellent players in every sector to create competition and have second options at every position. This could be even more crucial this season as the Champions League's new format will see more teams playing more games. PSG starts on Wednesday against Spanish side Girona.Borussia Dortmund, finalist last season, has undergone a summer of upheaval on and off the pitch ahead of Wednesday's clash at Club Brugge. Dortmund's unlikely run to last season's final masked a poor domestic season. The result was a summer rebuild, with the club parting ways with Dortmund-born coach Edin Terzic and several regular players.Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy and Germany center-back Waldemar Anton joined from Stuttgart, while German internationals Maximilian Beier and Pascal Gross have also signed for the club. The first European test comes at Belgian champions Club Brugge.

Pep Guardiola's illustrious tenure at Manchester City is nearing its end, with the legendary manager expected to depart next season. Since his arrival in 2016, Guardiola has transformed City into a European powerhouse, guiding them to six Premier League titles in the past seven seasons. This remarkable achievement includes an unprecedented four consecutive league triumphs, a feat no other club has accomplished.Guardiola's departure is anticipated as his current contract expires at the end of the 2024-2025 season. Despite City's desire to extend his stay, the report suggests that Guardiola is likely to seek a new challenge. The club is already initiating succession planning following their FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Guardiola has hinted at his impending departure, stating that he is "closer to leaving than staying." However, he has assured City fans that he will remain at the helm for the upcoming season. Replacing Guardiola will be a daunting task for City, given his profound impact on the club's legacy. Under his guidance, City secured their maiden UEFA Champions League title last season.Despite clinching their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham on the final matchday, City's season ended on a sour note with their FA Cup final loss. Guardiola has vowed that the team will bounce back next season, promising to reclaim the FA Cup.The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has committed to seeing out his contract next season, but his long-term future remains uncertain. Guardiola's departure would mark the end of an era for Manchester City, as they bid farewell to one of the most successful managers in their history.