Man City: Guardiola gives sarcastic ‘camera’ response to being blasted for Grealish dressing down
Man City boss Pep Guardiola insists he always tries “to criticise the players and let them feel how bad they are” in a sarcastic response to criticism of his animated conversation with Jack Grealish at the end of their 0-0 draw against Arsenal.
Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1 earlier on Easter Sunday to leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table before the Gunners drew at the Etihad Stadium against Man City.
Pep Guardiola: I’m the famous person of the team
Leaders Liverpool are now two points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, while Guardiola’s side are a further point adrift in third position ahead of the final nine matches of the campaign.
Guardiola had a lengthy conversation with Grealish at the end of the match as the Man City boss was clearly not pleased with the winger’s contribution from the substitutes’ bench – but beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys claimed it was “all for the cameras”.
“Save it for the dressing room,” Keys said on beIN Sports. “It’s all for the cameras, it is so tiresome. Go down the tunnel, he shouldn’t even be on the pitch. Now he’s got to go and tell everybody else what they did wrong.”
But Guardiola hit back at Keys comments and the criticism over his public dressing down of Grealish on the pitch at full time.
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Related video: Guardiola on City injury latest, his ego and Villa (English Football Channel)
Guardiola gave a sarcastic response to the criticism in a press conference on Tuesday: “I do it for the cameras, for my ego. I’m the famous person of the team, if it’s on camera then I can sleep because I have incredible satisfaction.
“Always I try to criticise the players and let them feel how bad they are, and any compliments are always with me, not the players.”
Pep Guardiola: Our experience of strong finishes is over
On Man City’s successful experiences in title run-ins, Guardiola added: “It’s just winning games, that’s what we have to do. We have not many chances to drop points. Aston Villa are playing to qualify for the Champions League, every team plays for something, so the last few games will be difficult to manage.
“Our experience [of strong finishes] is over, it doesn’t count. What counts is Aston Villa. Being able to win lots of games in a row before, I don’t know how many [we can win] now. The only thing is how to beat Aston Villa.”
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Chelsea rule out Mourinho, Tuchel returns despite suggestion it’d be ‘obvious short-term PR win’
According to reports, Chelsea are not considering the “obvious short-term PR win” of re-appointing Jose Mourinho or Thomas Tuchel.
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino arrived at Chelsea last summer as he was appointed as Graham Potter’s permanent successor.
Chelsea struggles continue
Despite investing over £1bn on transfers since Todd Boehly’s consortium completed its takeover of Chelsea, the Premier League club’s struggles have continued this season as they sit 11th in the table after 28 matches.
Chelsea have fared better in cup competitions as they reached the Carabao Cup final but were beaten by Liverpool at Wembley, while they face Man City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Journalist Ben Jacobs is still of the understanding that Pochettino will be “judged” in the summer, while Mourinho and Tuchel are unlikely to return to Stamford Bridge.
“The plan remains for Pochettino to be judged at the end of the season. This was agreed even before a ball was kicked since it marks the halfway point of the Argentine’s two-year guaranteed contract,” Jacobs told Caught Offside.
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“There will always be pressure at a club like Chelsea, but Pochettino’s fate is still not pre-determined, and what helps his cause is Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final, and the chance to qualify for the Europa League through the tournament.Related video: Chelsea 2-2 Burnley: Mauricio Pochettino post-match reaction (Metro)
“The bad news is of course that they face Manchester City at Wembley, but Chelsea have gone toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s side this season in both league games in two of their best performances of the season.
“We hear a lot of names linked with replacing Pochettino, particularly Roberto De Zerbi, Ruben Amorim and Hansi Flick; whilst some fans are dreaming of a Jose Mourinho or Thomas Tuchel return, although it’s not thought either are being considered despite the obvious short-term PR win.
“No candidate is actually being seriously pursued to date, and Chelsea sources insist in particular that De Zerbi is not on the radar as it stands.”
Chelsea “succession plan”
Jacobs is also of the understanding that Chelsea “don’t want to do anything rash” as several “factors” have contributed to their “disappointing season”.
“Chelsea are merely succession planning, much like Manchester United. This is normal when a change might be necessary and is something the club likely started on day one of Pochettino arriving given his contract is short,” Jacobs added.
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“Succession planning should not be confused with formally interviewing others or starting to replace Pochettino. You can both look at options to avoid managerial limbo and still want to make it work with your manager, and that’s kind of where Chelsea are at.
“There is obviously a chance a change is necessary if results don’t improve, but Chelsea’s owners don’t want to do anything rash due to a belief that all manner of factors have led to a disappointing season to date, ranging from the young squad to injuries. Plus, right now, there is still hope the season can be turned around.”
West Ham 1-1 Tottenham: Postecoglou’s team miss chance to leapfrog Villa as Hammers earn a point
Tottenham lost more ground in the battle with Aston Villa for a top-four finish after they were held to a 1-1 draw at London rivals West Ham.
Ange Postecoglou’s team could have leapfrogged fourth-placed Aston Villa with all three points and made the perfect start when Brennan Johnson tapped home early on for his fifth goal of the season since his move from Nottingham Forest last summer.
Top-four blow
West Ham, who let a 3-1 lead slip to lose 4-3 at Newcastle United over the weekend, responded not long after as in the 19th minute, Kurt Zouma scored from Jarrod Bowen’s corner and they could have easily claimed all three points.
While Spurs dominated possession throughout in east London, David Moyes watched Michail Antonio race through on the hour mark but fire straight at Guglielmo Vicario as the capital rivals could not be separated.
A light show followed by a firework display greeted the players onto a soaked London Stadium pitch and Moyes should have seen his team start with a bang.
Only four minutes were on the clock when Mohammed Kudus crossed in for Bowen, but the Hammers’ leading marksman fluffed his lines from a matter of yards.
It would prove costly as Spurs went ahead with their first attack of the match. A neat move ended with Timo Werner bursting past Vladimir Coufal before he squared for the recalled Johnson to tap home in the fifth minute.Related video: Postecoglou previews Tottenham's trip to West Ham (Metro)
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It continued Johnson’s purple patch, after his brace of assists against Luton, but also ended a run of six first halves without a goal for Tottenham.
The visitors went close again when a Pedro Porro effort whistled past the post before Son Heung-min curled straight at Lukasz Fabianski, in for the injured Alphonse Areola.
West Ham remained a threat at set-pieces though, after Kudus had an early shot deflected over, and levelled after 19 minutes.
Bowen’s inswinging corner was diverted beyond Vicario by the back of home captain Zouma, who was inexplicably unmarked in the six-yard area.
It got the West Ham fans up on their feet and they almost had another goal to celebrate eight minutes before half-time, but James Ward-Prowse’s 25-yard free-kick was parried away by Vicario.
Spurs had responded well to the hosts’ equaliser. However, they had to survive a set-piece barrage to ensure they came in level at the break.
A sloppy pass by Rodrigo Bentancur gifted West Ham a chance at the start of the second half, but Vicario saved Antonio’s shot before the Italian made an even better stop to keep out Konstantinos Mavropanos’ header.
Antonio’s blushes were spared after he air-kicked the loose ball when the offside flag was raised.
Lucas Paqueta was next to go close for the home side when he spun away from Bentancur and curled wide from 20 yards.
Tottenham did regroup but should have gone 2-1 down on the hour mark.
Maddison wanted a free-kick after he tangled with Paqueta. Referee John Brooks waved play on and Ward-Prowse played through to Antonio, who benefited from a slip by Micky van de Ven but fired straight at Vicario.
It was a gilt-edged chance and Postecoglou reacted by bringing on Pape Sarr and Dejan Kulusevski, which gave the visitors a second wind.
Werner had an effort deflected over before both teams threatened to produce stoppage-time breakaway goals, but Destiny Udogie fired straight at Fabianski and Bowen lobbed off target as the points were shared.
Getafe ‘believe’ Greenwood ‘extension decision’ has ‘already’ been made before Ten Hag is ‘stripped’
According to reports, La Liga outfit Getafe ‘believe’ Manchester United have ‘already’ extended Mason Greenwood’s contract until 2026.
Greenwood has spent this season on loan at Getafe after Man Utd pulled the plug on his return after the case against him was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Greenwood ‘extension’
At the start of 2023, Greenwood was facing charges relating to attempted rape and assault but the case ended after it was ruled that there was no longer a realistic chance of conviction following the withdrawal of key witnesses.
After conducting an internal investigation, it emerged that Man Utd were planning for Greenwood’s return ahead of this season but these plans were scrapped amid severe backlash.
The 22-year-old has been in good form for Getafe this season as he has grabbed six goals and five assists in his 25 La Liga appearances.
His form has fuelled talk linking him with a permanent move elsewhere with Serie A giants Juventus recently mooted as a potential destination.
Greenwood is currently under contract until 2025 but Man Utd have the option to automatically extend his deal on the same terms until 2026.
If this clause is activated, it would enable Man Utd to demand a higher fee this summer and according to The Athletic, Getafe are of the understanding that the Premier League giants have ‘already triggered that option’.Related video: Brentford 1-1 Manchester United: Erik ten Hag post-match reaction (Metro)
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This is denied by Man Utd, though. The report adds: ‘Getafe would like to keep Greenwood, either in a permanent transfer or on loan for another season, and officials at the Spanish club have come away from talks with United with the understanding his contract at Old Trafford will run until 2026.
‘This is disputed in Manchester. Senior figures at United insist that no such decision has been taken over Greenwood’s option and that no discussions have been held to that effect — either with the player, his family or any interested clubs.
‘There is said to be no urgency on this matter either, as United have until May 2025 to activate that option clause. They are not obliged to announce publicly if or when the extension has been triggered, but it is usually the case that a club would at least brief the media in that situation, which has not happened in this case.’
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Ten Hag ‘stripped’
Current Man Utd head coach Erik ten Hag is under pressure heading into the summer and he likely needs to win the FA Cup if he’s to keep his job beyond this season.
According to The Daily Mail, the Dutchman will be ‘stripped of power’ even if his new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to give him more time as the INEOS chief overhauls the structure at Old Trafford. The report adds.
‘Even if Erik ten Hag keeps his job as Manchester United manager this summer, the Dutchman is set to have less control over the club’s transfer policy under new co-owners Ineos.
‘Although Ten Hag has insisted that he feels aligned with Ineos and will continue to have a significant say in the transfer structure, Confidential understands that the manager will be more focused on coaching the team.
‘Ten Hag’s future remains up in the air after Saturday’s draw at Brentford and a limp performance at the Gtech Community Stadium dented his hopes of qualifying for the Champions League ahead of this week’s games against Chelsea and Liverpool.’
Ornstein: Prem boss ‘incredibly unlikely’ to replace Klopp at Liverpool with 39-year-old ‘in the mix’
De Zerbi is one of the favourites to replace Klopp at the end of the season.
De Zerbi to Liverpool ‘incredible unlikely’ – Ornstein
Following Klopp’s announcement that he will step down this summer, Bayer Leverkusen head coach and ex-Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso quickly emerged as the favourite.
However, the Spaniard ruled himself out of the running and is now expected to leave Leverkusen in 2025, with many expecting him to join Real Madrid.
The Anfield faithful got a taste of De Zerbi’s football on Sunday when Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1, but it is only glimpses they will see going forward.
According to transfer expert Ornstein, it is “incredibly unlikely” that the Reds pursue the Seagulls favourite, who has also been linked with Bayern Munich.
“My information is that it’s incredibly unlikely that Liverpool will go for De Zerbi,” Ornstein said on The Athletic FC Podcast. “I’m being told that’s not going to happen.
“And I see the stories continue to propel, and also see that he’s heavily linked with Bayern Munich, so let’s see on that one.”
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This leaves Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as the most likely to succeed Klopp in the summer.
The Portuguese is doing a great job at Sporting and Ornstein has confirmed he is “in the mix” to join Liverpool and that “some conversations have taken place”.Related video: Liverpool's Klopp REPLACEMENT (ClutchPoints)
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“Amorim is definitely in the mix,” he continued. “His body of work at Sporting Lisbon is really impressive.I think a member of his backroom staff on strength and conditioning used to work at Liverpool and is said to be really important to Amorim at Sporting.
“I think some conversations have taken place.”
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Man Utd enter ‘crucial’ talks with wonderkid who has been compared to Bukayo Saka
The Red Devils have one of the best academies in England as their track record when it comes to developing youngsters speaks for itself.
Erik ten Hag has put an onus on developing young players too as the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have each made significant impacts in the senior squad this year.
Another bright prospect that Man Utd have in their ranks is Bendito Mantato, who has continued to impress for the Under-18s this year.
The 16-year-old predominately plays as a right-winger, although he can also operate as a left-back. Due to his style of play and profile, he’s already drawn comparisons to Bukayo Saka.
According to the Manchester Evening News, talks are ‘ongoing’ with Mantato regarding a new contract as the club looks to secure his long-term future.
The report states that contract talks have now entered a ‘crucial stage’ as the club is hoping to strike an agreement with the young winger.
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Premier League clubs are interested
As per the same report, a number of Man Utd’s Premier League rivals are interested in luring Mantato away from Old Trafford in the near future.
The report doesn’t name the clubs that are interested, but Man Utd will no doubt be aware that a number of their rivals are eyeing up the 16-year-old.
If Mantato does decide to leave Old Trafford, Man Utd will stand to gain a six-figure sum in compensation as they have been responsible for his development up until this stage in his career.
While it’s not yet clear whether the youngster will pen a deal at the club, Man Utd can point towards their good track record with developing youngsters as an incentive to get him to sign.
Under Ten Hag there’s a clear progression path between the academy and the senior squad, especially if you have the required talent.
In years gone by, the right wing spot has been a problem position for Man Utd. While Garnacho has done a good job in that role of late, his natural position is on the left.
The likes of Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho can both play on the right, but it seems more than likely that their long-term future lies away from Old Trafford.
If Mantato is able to continue to develop at his current rate, it might not be long until Man Utd fans see him in the senior squad.
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