Pep Guardiola proves himself a class act yet again – Reflects on St James’ Park


 
 
 
 
 
 

I really rate Pep Guardiola.

Yes, I can hear you saying, who wouldn’t rate a manager who has won all of those trophies?

Well yes, there is that, but at the same time there is also other aspects of a manager that are worth noting.

After all, we have seen very obvious examples of those who are great managers purely in the football sense, but who sadly prove to be anything other than ‘great’ when it comes to how they conduct themselves.

Another manager who also previously worked in Manchester might particularly spring to mind…

I am not saying he is perfect and sometimes he might go off on one, as he attempts to deflect attention away from the failings of his team or whatever. However, I have to say that in the main, the vast majority of times, Pep Guardiola is a class act with his comments and behaviour, before and after matches.

Especially so in my opinion when it comes to Newcastle United.

Ahead of Saturday’s match, Pep Guardiola spoke really well about Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.

Despite not hanging onto their lead and failing to win, Pep Guardiola was no different after Newcastle 1 Manchester City 1…

“I said to Eddie Howe, how I admire him, for the way they approached the game.

“High pressing, so direct.

“They have a lot of legs with Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes.

“We controlled them really, really well in the most part of the game, especially when we play so, so high.

“Bruno [Guimaraes] and Joelinton, the physicality, Sandro Tonali.

“The central defenders so high.

“It is such a difficult team [to play against].

“Newcastle last season struggled a little bit, for just one reason, a lot of injuries.

“Otherwise, that team competes really well.

“Eddie Howe, a manager for many years, never creates a problem in press conferences.

“Always polite to opponents, like we try to do as a Club.

“I admit that we would like to win, [but] we draw, they deserve it as well, we both take the point.”

Newcastle 1 Manchester City 1 – Saturday 28 September 12.30pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Gordon 58 pen

Man City:

Gvardiol 35

Possession was Newcastle 38% Man City 62%

Total shots were Newcastle 11 Man City 16

Shots on target were Newcastle 4 Man City 6

Corners were Newcastle 5 Man City 6

Touches in the box Newcastle 25 Man City 39

Newcastle United team v Man City:

Pope, Trippier (Livramento 78), Schar, Burn, Hall, Joelinton, Bruno, Tonali (Longstaff 77), Barnes (Willock 76), Gordon, Jacob Murphy

SUBS:

Dubravka, Krafth, Osula, Almiron, Kelly, Alex Murphy

(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after Manchester City draw – Read HERE)

(Anthony Gordon gets very emotional about support shown to him by Newcastle United fans – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Manchester City 1 – Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Manchester City 1 – Honours even, a fair result and this was my man of the match – Read HERE)

Newcastle United upcoming match schedule, confirmed so far to end of November:

Tuesday 1 October 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (To be played at St James’ Park)

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

W/C Monday 28 October – AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle v Chelsea

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Monday 25 November – Newcastle v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 30 November – Crystal Palace v Newcastle