Sport

Pep Guardiola jokes he’s ‘not overthinking’ massive second leg against Real Madrid

He might be a tactical genius but he's be known to do overdo it from time to time — usually in the Champions League...

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 17th May 2023

Pep Guardiola is already having fun with the narrative ahead of his team’s second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League, joking that he’s “not overthinking” anything this time around.

Manchester City are just one game away from another UCL final against Inter Milan, but the Blues must first find a way to break the deadlock against the all-time leading European champions and hope they don’t answer back.

The gravity of this game is massive; City could not only lift their first Champions League trophy (the job that many state is the task Guardiola was brought to the club for), but they also stand a very credible chance of winning the hallowed treble, and the weight of that expectation is not lost on Pep either.

Speaking to the press ahead of Wednesday night’s decisive second leg at the Etihad, the Catalan coach said on Tuesday, “I’m not overthinking tomorrow, don’t worry guys”, with the entire room letting out an ironic chuckle at the self-deprecating dig.

‘Overthinking’ tactics is an accusation that has been levelled at Pep Guardiola many times in the past, namely ahead of big games and especially during his time at City.

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Whether it’s trying out various different players at left-back for a crucial tie, hinting at ‘ridiculous ideas’ ahead of the Manchester derby, or leaving out in-form players such as Raheem Sterling in the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool in the 2017/18 season, he’s often surprised us.

And then there was last year going too defensive against Lyon in the 19/20 semis and choosing to select neither Rodri nor Fernandinho in their last European final against Chelsea the following year when his squad arguably stood their best chance of finally lifting that missing piece of silverware.

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Last season was, admittedly, just one of those freak games that Madrid as serial winners can often produce, to be fair. However, Pep and his squad still have to find a way to get past them again, as far as we can tell, the two-time UCL winner isn’t planning on trying anything unorthodox this time.

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As he went on to tell reporters, “I cannot tell you here [but] it’s nothing special… nothing different than what we have done in the past. We’ll adjust our game to be a bit more fluid and play a little better but, of course, our opponents have their weapons”.

But in the same breath, so do City and in spades, such as the one key man they didn’t have last year: Erling Haaland — another figure has himself admitted he was brought to the club to win the Champions League.

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Come on, Pep, there’s a potential Oasis reunion riding on this…

You can watch Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press conference for Man City vs Real Madrid down below:

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Featured Image — Beanyman Sports (via YouTube)/Manchester City (via Twitter)

Sport

Manchester Storm legend Cam Critchlow announces retirement

Danny Jones Danny Jones Cam Critchlow retiring Manchester Storm

It’s an emotional day for Manchester Storm die-hards as club legend Cam Critchlow has revealed he will soon be retiring.

Consider this well and truly the end of an era, not just for the local side but for the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) and followers of the game up and down the country.

Manchester Storm supporters have said goodbye to the Cam Critchlow before – more than once, in fact – but this time, we’re sad to say, it’s for good. No, really this time.

Confirmed via an official announcement on Friday evening, 2025 is set to be his last year not only as an EIHL star but as a professional ice hockey player full stop.

Sharing an emotional goodbye in a lengthy and heartfelt statement, the club wrote: “Manchester Storm are set to bid farewell to a true club legend, as it has today been confirmed that Captain Cam Critchlow will be retiring from professional hockey at the end of this season.

“After an illustrious career, Critchlow will hang up his skates, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans, teammates, and the entire Storm community.”

The 33-year-old began his playing days back in his home country of Canada before a period in Australia and eventually on the ECHL developmental tier, which serves as a proving ground for the American Hockey League and North American’s premier hockey division, the NHL.

Fast forward to 2018, when Critchlow made his EIHL and Storm debut, it’s fair to say few could have predicted just how much of an icon he would become for the club over the next half-decade, going on to mark his fifth season in Altrincham this year – technically across three spells, but who’s counting?

In addition to the wealth of experience he brought to the team, they describe his contributions as “immeasurable”, a sentiment we’re sure supporters would agree with. Speaking in an extensive and candid interview with the club, he said simply: “It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever been able to do.”

For Cam Critchlow, retiring was “the most difficult decision” but one that feels like the right one.

To put it in the words of the club, “Over these years, he has been the heartbeat of the Storm, offering leadership, skill, and commitment both on and off the ice.

“As team captain, his work ethic and dedication to the game have been an inspiration to his teammates, and his passion for the sport has endeared him to fans across the region.”

It goes without saying that he has remained one of Manchester Storm’s top performers from start to fairytale returns and now his twilight ending, racking up 203 points and an impressive 260 PIMs in 296 appearances for the local outfit, boasting a total of 68 goals and 135 assists.

Going on to earn dual citizenship here in the UK, he’s also gone on to represent Great Britain more than a dozen times too. Impact, longevity and commitment.

Former Storm colleague Matt Ginn wrote: “Congrats on an outstanding career. Just truly one of the best. As good of a player, captain, leader, and teammate you were, you’re an even better person, and I’m lucky to call you a friend.” He’s also gone on to help inspire the next generation of Manc players.

Storm went on to add: “His on-ice performances will forever be etched in the history of the club, but it is his leadership and character that will leave the most lasting impression.”

Expressing their gratitude for his years of service, they also wished him “nothing but success in all future endeavours”; surely a coaching career beckons next?

In celebration of his illustrious career, the Storm Shelter is set to honour ‘Cap Cam’ as part of a celebration on Friday, 4 April, when they host Guildford Flames at Planet Ice.

They signed off by encouraging fans “to join the club as we come together to celebrate Cam Critchlow’s extraordinary journey and bid him a fond farewell. It promises to be a memorable occasion and a fitting tribute to one of the finest captains the team has ever had.

“Thank you, Cam, for everything you have done for the Manchester Storm. Your efforts will never be forgotten.”

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Featured Images — Mark Ferris/Manchester Storm (via YouTube screenshot)

Sport

Stockport County’s playoff fortunes hampered following Callum Camps injury

Danny Jones Danny Jones Callum Camps injured Stockport County

Stockport County’s luck as we head into the crunch time period has taken a less than ideal turn as Callum Camps is confirmed to be injured.

The club now has a clearer idea of how long he’ll be out for, but it’s not great news.

Camps was subbed off in just the 21st minute during County‘s recent away clash with title contenders Wrexham after a full-blooded tackle by fellow midfielder George Dobson – a challenge which went unpunished on the day, much to the frustration of the travelling fans.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester on Friday, 28 March, manager Dave Challinor revealed that the physios expect him to be out for “at least 6 weeks”, meaning he’ll likely miss the rest of the season.

As one of County’s most crucial and experienced players, his presence in the middle of the park is likely to be a big miss, especially with the playoff scraps looming large for the promotion hopefuls.

Challinor acknowledged that it’s a big blow not only for the club but the Tameside-born Northern Ireland international, cutting a quietly frustrated figure in his interview and giving away little regarding Camps’ current mentality besides his obvious “disappointment.”

At 29 years old and running out of contract this summer, the injury will no doubt bring an added pressure regarding his future as well, though you would suspect most Stopfordians would like to see him stay at Edgeley Park come 2025/26 if possible.

Not only a reliable operator in the engine room but also considered by plenty of fans as one of their best players this season, there’ll be lots of Hatters worrying how much of an impact this will have on how this year’s League One conclusion pans out.

Even with prior fitness issues in recent years, he’s still managed to make an impact and work his way back into the first-choice matchday squad, and many believe he should be more of a mainstay on the teamsheet for his national team.

To make matters worse, he’s not the only one set to watch the remaining games from the sidelines, as defender Ryan Rydel also looks set to be out for the next few weeks.

Following an injury suffered at Bolton Wanderers the week prior to the Wrexham game, the Oldham-born left-back who had made 15 appearances for County this season – half of those as an increasingly regular young member of the starting XI – a hamstring problem looks to have cut his campaign short too.

With just over half a dozen league fixtures left, it’ll be interesting to see how they’ll fare if they stay within the playoff places as predicted.

It’s been a frustrating few months for Stockport as they also had to bid a reluctant goodbye to rising star and high-flying loanee Louie Barry, who was recalled by his parent club Aston Villa only for him to be loaned out to Hull City and end up getting injured himself.

When it rains, it pours, as they say.

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Featured Images — Stockport County (screenshot via YouTube)

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