Pep Guardiola reveals what he told Eddie Howe after 1-1 draw at St James’ Park

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed what he and Eddie Howe talked about as they shook hands and chatted following our 1-1 draw with the Premier League champions on Saturday.

Guardiola has always spoken highly of Newcastle and Howe in the past and the intense style of play we employ which typically has led to an exciting game between the two sides.

It was no different this weekend as Newcastle looked to be back to our best under Howe fighting for every ball, and the Spaniard admitted he ‘admired’ the way we had set up.

Guardiola identified the front three in particular for creating a lot of pressure on his defence which at times didn’t look like they were prepared for such a high press.

The 53-year-old also touched on the physicality of our midfield three, adding that we are always ‘such a difficult team’ and that the only reason we struggled last year was due to our injuries.

On what they talked about, Guardiola said: "I said to him how I admire him and for the way they approached the game, in 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, and after the central defenders so high. It's such a difficult team.

"Newcastle last season struggled a little bit for just one reason; a lot of injuries. Otherwise that team competes really well.”

On Howe, Guardiola added: "A manager for many years, a lot of times, and never creates a problem in press conferences, always polite for opponents, like we try to do as a Club.

"I admit that we would like to win, we draw, they deserve it as well, and we both take the point..."

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