Sport

Pep Guardiola calls on Manchester City fans to step up ahead of ‘final’ against Arsenal

This year's Premier League champions could effectively be decided this week.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 24th April 2023

Pep Guardiola has issued a plea to Manchester City fans ahead of the club’s massive midweek fixture against Arsenal, urging them to turn up in their droves and make plenty of noise.

After their comfortable win in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, a victory that sealed a Manchester Derby final for the first time in history, the City coach’s mind was already on the next game as his side are set to take on the league leaders on Wednesday.

With Arsenal still sat at the top of the table and playing some of the best football they’ve enjoyed in years, it is very much a potentially title-deciding match and certainly one of the biggest games of the season.

The reality is not lost on Pep either, as he spent a large chunk of the post-match press conference after the Sheffield game talking about “momentum” and how the fans need to play their part, having previously taken a slight dig at the supporters earlier in the season.

Pep Guardiola speaking about the importance of the Arsenal game in the title race.

The 52-year-old told media, “Of course the momentum is key, it doesn’t matter if you play every three or four days if you are winning.

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“It’s really important the ‘final’ we have on Wednesday – it is a final – against a team who has been the best team in England so far, they are five points ahead of us. Hopefully, all of Manchester that day will be blue and they can come to support us.

“We need incredible noise from the first minute to the last as I know which opponent we are going to play against. Even though they [drew] the last three games, the way they play is difficult to stop. You have to read exactly what you have to do but it’s a massively important game for us.”

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He went on to add that “if [City] win it’s a step to getting it completely in our hands. The Premier League is 11 months, working, working. We have this opportunity and we want to take it. Hopefully, the whole of the Etihad will be full three hours before.”

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With Pep going up against fellow Spanish coach and his former protégé, Mikel Arteta, there is also an element of the ‘master and apprentice’ narrative surrounding the game as well, although City have beaten Arsenal in each of their three previous meetings this season across all competitions.

Pep went on to say of the friendship turned rivalry with his former assistant coach: “The relationship has changed because he’s in London and I’m in Manchester, we don’t see each other as often. He’s busy and I’m busy — but the affection and respect I have with him will remain forever.”

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The question is, will Arteta manage to get one over on his old teacher when it counts?

You can see his press conference in full down below:

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Featured Image — Beanyman Sports (via YouTube)

Sport

Southampton troll Manchester City after Ruben Dias’ frustrated interview

Danny Jones Danny Jones Southampton mocking Ruben Dias

Southampton FC have decided to respond to Manchester City star Ruben Dias with some casual trolling following his frustrated post-match interview this weekend.

In short, someone let the admin off the leash, and we’ll admit it caught us a little off guard.

Man City shared the points away at St Mary’s Stadium against the already relegated Saints – a fate which plays somewhat into the rather nonchalant nature of their social media this past Friday, 9 May.

Southampton hosted City for what turned out to be a beyond forgettable bore draw, although Dias himself was clearly still dwelling on it at least somewhat after the full-time whistle, claiming the home team put in very little effort. To which this was their reply…

@southamptonfc Guess neither of us wanted to play 🤷‍♂️ #saintsfc #pl #premierleague ♬ september on crack ft. a recorder (Earth, Wind & Fire – September) – frickin weeb

While plenty of people online had already seen Ruben‘s review of their performance, the south coast side had no problem in drawing even more eyes to it by sharing the video above.

There’s one thing to disagree with/mock a single player’s response in a moment of tension, but putting together a mini blooper reel about last season’s Premier League champions and recent Treble winners to the rather out-of-tune flute version of ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire felt pretty bold, to say the least.

Again, not that they’ll care one bit, given they won’t be even in the same division for at least another year.

It’s also just not all too often that you see football clubs’ official media channels memeing other teams, so it’s hard not to react when instances like this do happen.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola had a fair few of his own visibly frustrated feelings on the match as well, including some words for his own players, although stating that they should have been able to break down a team that’s already on their way to the Championship.

Pep’s post-match press conference following Southampton 0-0 City in full.

It’s also worth mentioning that while it may have felt like a bit of a damp rubber game, there was actually a lot more at stake in the grander scheme of things.

Not only did the draw rescue Southampton from setting a new record for the lowest points tally in the top-flight competition’s history, but much more importantly, it meant crucial points were dropped for the Blues in the race to secure Champions League football.

Most supporters would rightly assume Man City will be in UEFA’s premier continental competition next season, but it’s not a certainty just yet.

You can watch the highlights, or lack thereof, down below.

Who had more of a point, do you think – Ruben Dias or the Southampton admin?

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Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)

Sport

London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.

Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.

Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.

This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.

The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Credit: Justin De Souza

Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.

Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.

We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.

If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.

There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.

Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
Credit: Justin De Souza

New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.

You had us at booze and scran.

Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.

Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”

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Featured Images — Justin De Souza (supplied)

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