Man City boss Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Newcastle United following last night’s 4-3 thriller on Tyneside, calling us a “top, top side” they find “incredibly tough” to beat.
Twice in the game did we manage to find ourselves in front but poor defending ultimately cost us, with City holding on comfortably in the dying stages to eke out the win.
A full crowd at St James’ Park would have no doubt made the game an even more exciting affair, something that Pep described as “unfortunate” in his post-match press conference.
Guardiola – a former protege of Sir Bobby Robson – also praised Almiron, ASM, Willock and Joelinton for their clever movement, saying his City side always struggle to find ways past this ‘tough’, ‘physical’ and ‘strong’ Newcastle side at the other end.
Here is what he said after the game:
“I think it was a brilliant game from both sides.
“Unfortunately no people were in the stadium.
“An incredibly tough opponent…we always struggle to beat Newcastle.
“We struggle a lot to beat Newcastle here…even at home.
“They are so physically strong and they defend so deep with many, many players.
“After that, they have clever runners, Saint-Maximin and Joelinton and of course Almiron and Willock.
“A top, top side.”
“Yes, we conceded three goals from set-pieces, but I would say it’s normal after winning the Premier League and being distracted for one or two days and then just one training session. This normally happens.”
The Spaniard finished his post-match interview with class, saying “thank you Newcastle” before making the trip back to the North West.
Classy and incredibly complimentary comments from the slick Spaniard.
Very complimentary of Pep, however we were playing a half strength team with other things on their mind so he could afford to be generous.
What it does do is highlight the neglect of investment under the Ashley tenure. and how much work we have to do to get anywhere near them in terms of strength and depth.
I don’t think the defence can be that good when we look at the worst goals conceded stats for a long time, we require at least two strong and mobile defenders and replacements for an ageing Clark and Fernandez.
We need a good box to box midfielder of the Tiote type who stops other teams playing, and two good mobile forwards to replace Carrol and Gayle.
Other teams invest, we have to just to stay up.
Joseph(Quote)
More appropriate to compare NUFC with Leicester who with a superb owner and wise management choices and excellent recruitment have left us behind.
George Anderson(Quote)