Pep Guardiola has always been a somewhat enigmatic character. You can never really tell what’s going on in that footballing brain of his. However, despite achieving a truly remarkable comeback against Spurs on Thursday, he made it very clear what he was thinking.
Despite enjoying the majority of the ball and creating chances throughout, Manchester City somehow found themselves on the receiving end of a one-two punch just before half-time, conceding two goals within the space of a minute — both of which he said they ‘gifted’ to their opponents.
However, when City came back out after the break, they were firing on all cylinders from the second the ref blew the whistle, scoring the equalising goals in less than 10 minutes before going on to see off Antonio Conte’s side 4-2.
While many managers would simply be relieved and/or happy that their players possessed the fight to get back in the game, the four-time Premier League winner was anything but, insisting that he “[did] not recognise his team” and that they showed “nothing from the stomach, the guts”.
"We are FAR away from the team that we were!"
Man City boss Pep Guardiola did NOT hold back on his side, saying they 'lack passion, fire and desire'…😳 pic.twitter.com/nyqLeIiFUR
I mean, you did win after being 2-0 down, Pep — they did show some fight…
Cutting an antagonist albeit understandably frustrated figure in the post-match interview, the 52-year-old said that his team lacked “passion, fire and desire to win”, even going on to take aim at his own supporters: “the same [goes] for our fans, they were silent for 45 minutes.
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After the interviewer noted that certain sections of the crowd could be heard booing the City players off at half-time, Pep did insist that they were simply annoyed because the team were losing and “not because [they] played bad”.
While he did clarify that the club’s ‘real’, dedicated supporters, such as those who travel to away games “are the best”, he theorised that the problem with those that stayed quiet or even booed is perhaps the same as his squad’s: “Maybe we are too comfortable after winning four Premier Leagues in five years”.
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Furthermore, when asked if ‘the fire’ had gone out in his team he instantly replied, “definitely”. Worse still, in the subsequent post-match press conference, the hyper-analytical coach warned that if this performance is anything to go by, it spells bad omens for the games against league Arsenal.
🗣 "I want to beat Arsenal. If we play in that way Arsenal will destroy us."
Pep Guardiola wants a reaction from the entire club after Man City's recent performances pic.twitter.com/2cr4sTU5d2
Doubling down on the suggestions of complacency, not only did Pep say he wants his fans back, but he also criticised the club for being in a state of what he calls “happy flowers”, arguing instead that they should only be focused on beating Arsenal.
Not only are the North London club five points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on the blue half of Manchester, but Pep is set to come against his former protégé Mikel Arteta three times in the next few months: the first being next week in the FA Cup and then away in the league on 15 February.
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To make things even more complicated, Manchester United face Arsenal on Sunday and a win could see them go neck and neck with their rivalries once again in the title race. On the other hand, a slip-up from the league leaders could simply open the door for City to reassert their dominance.
It’s going to be a tasty second half of the season, put it that way.
Featured Image — Sky Sports/Man City (via Twitter)
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Rodri has been fined for his comments about referees following Man City vs Spurs game
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Rodri has been fined a large sum for his comments about recent refereeing following the Blues’ game against Tottenham Hotspur last month.
The Man City midfielder and Spanish international has avoided a match ban, as many supporters first feared, but will still pay £80k as punishment for the remarks.
While perhaps not a huge figure for a Premier League footballer, he still admitted to questioning the officiating on the day, but did submit evidence to the board in arguing his case.
The Euro 2024 winner had already been charged by the FA following the comments a fortnight after the frustrating home draw, but was given until 18 February to respond/appeal.
BREAKING: Rodri has been fined £80,000 and warned about his future conduct over comments made following Man City's draw with Tottenham Hotspur last month. pic.twitter.com/wdP4slCNef
At the time, little detail was revealed about what exactly was said to the ref, with Rodri accusing Rob Jones of not being neutral and acting in an ‘improper manner’, but it was his comments in the post-match zone that shone an extra spotlight on the situation.
Speaking to the media after the game, the 29-year-old said: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. It’s not fair because we work so hard.
“When everything is finished, you are frustrated. It’s one game and another game and another game – and it’s not possible. Honestly, I never speak about referees; I respect their job massively, but they have to pay attention to these things.”
Rodri was referring to the equaliser by Dominic Solanke, who scored his brace in the 70th-minute to bring his team level, but City and many other football fans believed kicked through defender Marc Guehi’s leg to do so.
As a result, instead of a foul being given, the goal stood, the game ended 2-2, and Pep Guardiola’s side went on to drop crucial points in this year’s title race.
In case you missed any of it, you can see the challenge/controversial goal in question HERE, and listen to Rodri’s response in the immediate aftermath down below.
As you can see, he went on to insist that the incident was “so clear”, as well as intimating that this wasn’t the first time.
He and others around the club believe he and his teammates had been on the receiving end of some incorrect decisions for “two, three games in a row”, adding, “I don’t know why.”
What do you make of the choice to fine Rodri for his comments about referees, or do you think the central Man City cog should have even been punished?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot via YouTube)
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Medlock Square: Manchester’s new £300 million entertainment destination on the Etihad Campus
Danny Jones
Manchester’s newest entertainment destination, located over at the ever-growing Etihad Campus, has finally been given a name ahead of its launch later this year.
Alongside the recently announced and Radisson-run hotel, Medlock Square will see the Manchester City-partnered mini leisure district aim to become a new must-visit part of the city.
Hoping to draw in crowds beyond just matchdays and those heading to concerts across the way, approximately £300 million is being pumped into the project.
With Co-op Live having already brought huge revenues into Greater Manchester, it isn’t just set to be a pricey development, but one that will look to serve as yet another money spinner for the wider City Football Group (CFG) and the City Region.
Credit: CFG (supplied)
Unveiling the first CGIs of the square this week, this new area will essentially see attractions and activities spill out of the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live and the soon-to-open Medlock hotel and on to the campus as a whole.
With other parts of Sportcity already revolving around the footballing epicentre, such as the Manchester Regional Arena and National Squash Centre, this will not only see even more sporting events and supporters brought to the roughly 80-acre plot, but also fans of various other forms of entertainment.
For instance, within the plans that already include the food and drink offerings you would expect – with Radisson Blu backing more of the relaxation and indulgent side of things – other activities include everything from “an adrenaline-fuelled sky walk experience”, as well as zip-wire and abseiling.
We already knew about some of these from the details in Man City’s stadium expansion plans (including the likes of The Medlock and rooftop bar), and glimpses of the impending hotel opening gave us a better idea of the overall look, but there looks to be plenty more in the pipeline.
You can see a trailer for what they have in mind for Medlock Square down below.
Welcome to Medlock Square. Manchester’s newest entertainment destination. A place where mouthwatering cuisine and world class entertainment, experiences and events converge. Coming soon! pic.twitter.com/4bC7NQbMHT
As per an official press release by the fledgling team, more information on further business and employment opportunities has also now been confirmed, centring around the new ‘One Medlock Square’ structure that will be built on the campus.
“Designed to accommodate up to 300 employees, the state-of-the-art workspace will offer high-quality, modern office facilities alongside access to shared event spaces and wellness amenities, uniquely positioned within Manchester’s most exciting new destination”, the statement reads.
There’s certainly some ambitious stuff in the works, put it that way.
And, of course, these will also slot into a renovated club shop turned meagstore, an all-new Man City museum, the Co-op arena, live music and other open-air events, just to name a few. A specific opening date is yet to be scheduled, but you can guarantee it’ll be a big deal when it does launch.
Danny Jones -
20th January 2023 
