Daniel Chibueze Ezeh, PBA Journalism Mentee
Manchester City have released footage of Pep Guardiola’s passionate half-time team talk from their 1-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
Man City maintained their 100 per cent record but found the going tough against Eddie Howe’s side, as Julian Alvarez’s first-half strike proved to be the only goal of the game.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPhil Foden provided the assist and was later named man of the match after an eye-catching performance.
Despite their lead at the break, Guardiola was keen to remind his players of their wins in tough games last season.
In the club’s behind-the-scenes vlog, he pointed to a picture of their Champions League success last season.
He was referencing Man City’s two finals last season which saw them win the FA Cup with a 2-1 win against their city rivals before winning the UCL in Istanbul a week later.
After reminding his players to be ‘strong’ again, the manager thumped Foden on the chest and gave him some positional advice before sending his side back on.
They held on in a tricky second half to secure the three points despite being below their absolute best.
The nature of Guardiola’s team talk shows how highly he views the Magpies, comparing them to two of City’s most important games from last season.
They drew 3-3 with Newcastle in the third game of last season before beating them 2-0 in the return fixture in March.
City now sit second in the league as one of three teams to win their opening two games, the other two being Brighton and Arsenal.
They travel to newly promoted Sheffield United for the 3rd match of their campaign.
