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Manchester City | Winners of the 2022/23 Season of the English Premier League

Manchester City cruised into the FA Cup fourth round with a routine victory over a desperately poor Chelsea at Etihad Stadium.

This was a far cry from what has traditionally been a hugely competitive meeting between two Premier League giants as City wrapped up a tie with either Oxford United or Arsenal in the next round by the interval.

City's win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday was hard-fought but this was a stroll, Riyad Mahrez setting them on their way with a brilliant 23rd-minute free-kick before World Cup winner Julian Alvarez scored a second from the spot seven minutes later following Kai Havertz's handball.

Phil Foden scored City's third after 38 minutes, turning in Kyle Walker's cross after he had been played in by Thursday's match-winner Mahrez, who got his second from the spot late on after Kalidou Koulibaly clumsy bundled Foden to the floor.

It was a chastening day for Chelsea, boss Graham Potter and their travelling support, who chanted the name of Thomas Tuchel, the Champions League-winning manager sacked by new owner Todd Boehly in September.
 
Man Utd v Man City: Pep Guardiola says he has 'ridiculous' idea how to win derby

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he has a "ridiculous" idea about how to beat Manchester United in Saturday's derby encounter at Old Trafford.

City go into the game in second place in the Premier League, four points clear of their old rivals in fourth.

Guardiola has won nine out of 17 meetings with United since replacing Manuel Pellegrini in 2016, losing six.

The Spaniard has finished ahead of the Red Devils in all of his six seasons in charge at City.

Erik ten Hag is the fourth different United manager he has faced in that time. Guardiola has beaten them all, most recently the Dutchman, in a 6-3 victory at Etihad Stadium in October.

However, United have dropped just seven points in 10 Premier League games since and have won their last four, their best run since March 2021.

It means Guardiola is going to be careful with the City team he picks to play Southampton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

"I would like to arrive against United with the average of minutes in the legs of the players quite similar because I have a few ideas, thoughts, ridiculous ones against United," he said.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64228486
 
Manchester City's night of mood swings ended with a remarkable outpouring from manager Pep Guardiola as he virtually presented a list of demands to the entire club for a return to previous sky-high standards.

It was not delivered in any sinister way but, having watched the reigning champions turn a 2-0 half-time deficit into a chaotic 4-2 win, an animated and passionate Guardiola felt it was time to strike publicly as he reminded everyone at Manchester City that what he has been seeing has not been good enough.

City closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points but Guardiola has seen enough in recent weeks to launch a remarkable stream of consciousness in the direction of anyone who would listen.

Man City come from behind to beat Spurs in thriller
Guardiola criticises Man City fans after Tottenham win
All the latest Man City news and views
There was the unaccustomed sound of booing at half-time as City's fans, gorged on success under Guardiola, expressed their disapproval at a limp first 45 minutes and what they clearly regarded as lenient display from referee Simon Hooper.

Guardiola may have ended a thunderous night pumping his arms into the air and blowing kisses into the stands but he was clearly less than satisfied as he warned Manchester City will not be winning their fifth title in six years unless they raise themselves to their previous heights.

The manager's fire and brimstone reaction continued into his post-match debriefing as Guardiola's perfectionist approach bubbled to the surface, outlining what he expects from everyone at Manchester City on and off the pitch.

No-one was spared as Guardiola clearly felt victory - "I am incredibly happy. I will sleep like a baby tonight" - allowed him a better platform to state that he was not actually incredibly happy at all.

Guardiola wants more than the natural gifts of his players, particularly as they try to overcome the hunger of a new challenger in the shape of Arsenal.

"Guts, passion, fire to win from minute one," said Guardiola. "The same with the fans. They are silent for 45 minutes. I want my fans back.

"I want a reaction from the whole organisation. Not just the players."

He added: "I want our fans to push us. Demand more. Say 'come on guys'. Show us more. We are a happy flowers team, all nice and good. I don't want to be a happy flower. I want to beat Arsenal. If we play that way Arsenal will destroy us."

And on Guardiola went. It may have seemed like an impromptu outburst, indeed it sounded like one, but he has clearly detected a hungry fighter approach from Arsenal that he now wants replicated in every part of Manchester City.

He said: "We have an opponent in Arsenal who have the fire, almost two decades without winning the Premier League. I am explaining reality. Everything is so comfortable at City but opponents don't wait."

No-one within earshot was left in any doubt about what Guardiola wants from now on, his words coming on the back of a lame League Cup quarter-final loss at Southampton and the derby defeat at Manchester United.

BBC
 
Erling Haaland scored his fourth Manchester City hat-trick and took his goal tally for the season to 31 in all competitions as relegation-threated Wolves were swept aside by Pep Guardiola's men.

By his own incredibly high standards, Haaland had been going through a barren spell.

But after ending a three-game drought against Tottenham on Thursday, the Norwegian demolished Wolves in a 12-minute spell either side of half-time.

Haaland initially rose to head home Kevin de Bruyne's cross to put the hosts ahead at the break.

He then drove home a penalty after Ilkay Gundogan had been fouled by Wolves skipper Ruben Neves, before sweeping home his third after Jose Sa's pass out of his six-yard box went straight to Riyad Mahrez.

Haaland has now scored 25 goals in City's first 20 Premier League games. That would have been enough to earn him the Golden Boot in more than half of the 30 seasons since the English top flight was renamed in 1992.

He has also already scored as many Premier League hat-tricks as Mo Salah, and a third of Sergio Aguero's record 12, which the Argentine achieved across his magnificent decade with City.

Only Alan Shearer has scored more Premier League hat-tricks in a single season, with five.
 
Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal to sign João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City for £61.5m with an option to buy
 
MenInG said:
Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal to sign João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City for £61.5m with an option to buy
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In a surprising development, it was revealed on Monday afternoon that Cancelo is set to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on loan until the summer.

The 28-year-old made the move to the Etihad in 2019 as he joined City from Serie A giants Juventus. He took a little while to adapt to life in the Premier League but in recent years he has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the division.

Guardiola recently suggested that he often goes off body language when naming his starting eleven for Man City.

“I look at the body language in the training sessions and everything. You cannot play good when the body language is not correct,” Guardiola said.

“Sometimes I pick them for their body language, for how happy they look and how they are there. This is one of my main decisions when I choose the lineup.”

Ilkay Gundogan meanwhile has suggested that Man City’s players have been in need of a “wake-up call” since the World Cup.

“There’s no room for any mistakes, or for any poor performances,” said Ilkay Gundogan after the defeat in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.
 
Cancelo is a fantastic footballer, but these top level managers don't care about individuals. For them, the team is the priority.
 
Pep Guardiola tells Sky Sports that Phil Foden is not involved after feeling "really, really bad" overnight.

The Manchester City boss adds: "He was there at the hotel. He felt unwell all night - really, really bad."

Guardiola says the decision not to start Kevin de Bruyne is tactical.

On the chance to cut the lead at the top after Arsenal's defeat at Everton on Saturday: "I am more focused on today than yesterday. Nothing has changed. We have to do our job."
 
Saj said:
Cancelo is a fantastic footballer, but these top level managers don't care about individuals. For them, the team is the priority.
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I heard it was over a disagreement about paying a fine after an incident with Foden in training. While Foden accepted it, Cancelo didn't.
 
Manchester City Pep Guardiola speaking to Sky Sports: "We started really well, as usually happens against Tottenham home and away, but after we made a mistake they punished us - 1-0 down it is different, we had chances, and of course when we lose balls in transition with Kulusevski and Son, it is not easy. We dropped three points."

Did your players follow the plan? "Most of the time, yeah, But it is not easy when 10 players defend, and sit back a little bit more than in the Etihad two weeks ago. We played good, started well and missed maybe the last pass, to shoot."

On bringing on Kevin de Bruyne: "I wanted him for the last pass, to find between the lines, he can make one of these actions and that was the reason."

On City's poor record at Spurs: "Sooner or later it is going to change, but it is strange we haven't scored one goal, we have missed penalties in the past. To find an explanation is not easy.

"We found the positions, made good balls to the channels, but missed the last action up front.

"We are not in the position to think about being champions, just the next game, Aston Villa, we will prepare well and play our game as best as possible.

"Tottenham has a fantastic team and squad and they punish you. They have a lot of quality up front and don't need much with transitions, set pieces, give a lot of credit to them."
 
I like Pep and nobody can doubt his credentials as a manager but the Cancelo situation is a weird one. He's one of their best players and he's gone.

Also some strange team selections of late - today he leaves KDB out and then takes Mahrez off who looked a threat.
 
BREAKING: Man City charged by Premier Leaue with numerous breaches of financial rules following a four-year investigation.
This is unprecedented:

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The Premier League has accused Manchester City of breaking its financial rules following a long-running investigation.

It has referred the club to a commission over alleged breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

In 2020 City had a two-year ban from European club competitions overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), after Uefa ruled that City committed "serious breaches" of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations between 2012 and 2016.

In a statement the Premier League said City breached rules requiring them to provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position".

This information included the club's revenue, including sponsorship revenue and operating costs.

Further breaches related to rules requiring full details of "manager remuneration".

These were related to the 2009-10 to 2012-13 seasons, when Roberto Mancini was in charge.

Last season City won their sixth Premier League title since the 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.
 
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Saj said:
I like Pep and nobody can doubt his credentials as a manager but the Cancelo situation is a weird one. He's one of their best players and he's gone.

Also some strange team selections of late - today he leaves KDB out and then takes Mahrez off who looked a threat.
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I could be wrong but I get the feeling all isn't well in the dressing room. There's a rumour from Spain who've claimed that Haaland's relationship with Guardiola is distant and he wants to leave the club.

The number of times Erling was seen shaking his head during yesterday's game suggests he isn't happy at Man City.
 
Could City lose points here effectively handing the title to Arsenal?
 
Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.

As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.

https://www.mancity.com/news/club/club-statement-premier-league-63811282
 
Well this could get interesting.

But if City fall foul of these breaches then other clubs won't be far behind.
 
topspin said:
I could be wrong but I get the feeling all isn't well in the dressing room. There's a rumour from Spain who've claimed that Haaland's relationship with Guardiola is distant and he wants to leave the club.

The number of times Erling was seen shaking his head during yesterday's game suggests he isn't happy at Man City.
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Yes even KDB doesn't look at his best at the moment.

Some of Pep's tactics and team selections have been a bit odd too.
 
Man City are a corrupt club. All of them clubs with little to no history such as Chelsea, Man City & PSG, who only became relevant after the oil money are dodgy clubs with dodgy owners. Man City already got away with something similar a couple of years ago when they appeal to CAS. Thankfully, this time around, they can't do that, as this is a premier league sanction and not from UEFA. They need to be deducted points and kicked out of the premier league.
 
The investigation itself has taken 4 years. Who knows how long it will take to actually decide and enact the punishment, it's now gone to an independent commission.
 
topspin said:
I could be wrong but I get the feeling all isn't well in the dressing room. There's a rumour from Spain who've claimed that Haaland's relationship with Guardiola is distant and he wants to leave the club.

The number of times Erling was seen shaking his head during yesterday's game suggests he isn't happy at Man City.
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I thought Haaland was shaking his head because he did basically nothing in that match, just like how he did nothing vs Chelsea Away, Liverpool Away, Manchester United Away.
 
Bilal Ahmad15 said:
I thought Haaland was shaking his head because he did basically nothing in that match, just like how he did nothing vs Chelsea Away, Liverpool Away, Manchester United Away.
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I think there's more to it than that. I don't think he likes how Pep sets out his team to play because it doesn't get the most out of him. Yes he's scored 25 goals to the PL but that because he's been unbelievably clinical this season.

City players have been slow to release the ball to him as well and look totally off it which further suggests to me that there's a problem in the dressing room.
 
Haaland is simply a goalscorer. In matches, where he doesn't score, you are playing with ten men. He isn't like Harry Kane, who can impact a game of football without scoring. Man City should have never signed him, as he doesn't suit Guardiola's system.
 
Rumours are Pep could be leaving Man City!

As for Halaand: in big away games:

Anfield - 0 goals
Old Trafford - 0 goals
Stamford Bridge - 0 goals
Spurs - 0 goals

Equivalent to a minnow basher/HTB thus far.
 
Saj said:
Well this could get interesting.

But if City fall foul of these breaches then other clubs won't be far behind.
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No suggestion any other club has broken rules. This isn't even a FFP thing now, the PL are accusing Man City of deceit, Corruption, Fraud and a complete refusal to hand over info.

The scope of charges means... IMO if guilty they will be kicked out of the league, and the EFL is under no obligation to accept them.

The PL are accusing them of systematic cheating over the space of about 15 years
 
cpleigh said:
No suggestion any other club has broken rules. This isn't even a FFP thing now, the PL are accusing Man City of deceit, Corruption, Fraud and a complete refusal to hand over info.

The scope of charges means... IMO if guilty they will be kicked out of the league, and the EFL is under no obligation to accept them.

The PL are accusing them of systematic cheating over the space of about 15 years
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Nobody is kicking anyone out. This alarmist nonsense. I'm no man city fan but they will come out if this with penalties that stop short of getting kicked out. Ultimately their backers are needed in the PL..
 
the Great Khan said:
Nobody is kicking anyone out. This alarmist nonsense. I'm no man city fan but they will come out if this with penalties that stop short of getting kicked out. Ultimately their backers are needed in the PL..
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No they aren't. Another club would easily take their place, they aren't even a big club. If they are guilty, the other 19 will go for relegation. They simply have too.

They have cheated
 
cpleigh said:
No they aren't. Another club would easily take their place, they aren't even a big club. If they are guilty, the other 19 will go for relegation. They simply have too.

They have cheated
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A sort of similar thing happened with Rangers in Scotland.

If City are found guilty then their titles will be tainted imo
 
Kroll said:
Could City lose points here effectively handing the title to Arsenal?
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Technics 1210 said:
It is the only way Arsenal can win the league in this era - fluke or attrition.
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It will take a long time, perhaps up to a year, for the independent investigation to reach a definite conclusion which means that even if City are docked points, it will not take effect this season.

Therefore, I am sorry to inform you that you will not be able to use the docked points excuse to feel better when Arsenal lift the trophy in May.
 
Mamoon said:
It will take a long time, perhaps up to a year, for the independent investigation to reach a definite conclusion which means that even if City are docked points, it will not take effect this season.

Therefore, I am sorry to inform you that you will not be able to use the docked points excuse to feel better when Arsenal lift the trophy in May.
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I look forward to May, but one thing is confirmed well before is that the Premier League is the best league in the world because of its unpredictability factor. Literally any of the top 6 to 8 teams are in contention to win the league in any given season - which is why you changed your pre-season prediction (Man City to win) to mid-season prediction (Arsenal to win)

Which is why come May, if Arsenal do win, it's not because you had faith in Arsenal (by your own words), or some insightful understanding of Football, but had faith in the highest level of competition at club level that is the English Premier League.

:)
 
Mamoon said:
It will take a long time, perhaps up to a year, for the independent investigation to reach a definite conclusion which means that even if City are docked points, it will not take effect this season.

Therefore, I am sorry to inform you that you will not be able to use the docked points excuse to feel better when Arsenal lift the trophy in May.
Click to expand...

Yeah I did address this afterwards, unlikely to be any punishment this season. As for the title...
 
Technics 1210 said:
I look forward to May, but one thing is confirmed well before is that the Premier League is the best league in the world because of its unpredictability factor. Literally any of the top 6 to 8 teams are in contention to win the league in any given season - which is why you changed your pre-season prediction (Man City to win) to mid-season prediction (Arsenal to win)

Which is why come May, if Arsenal do win, it's not because you had faith in Arsenal (by your own words), or some insightful understanding of Football, but had faith in the highest level of competition at club level that is the English Premier League.

:)
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Load of tripe as usual. The unpredictability factor is a joke really. City have won 4 out of the last 5 league titles.

In general, over the last few seasons, teams like Arsenal, United, Chelsea and Spurs haven’t been in greater contention of winning the league than the likes of Atletico have been in Spain and Napoli etc. have been in Italy.

This season is different not because Arsenal are pulling of a Leicester type season but because they have displaced Liverpool as City’s biggest competitor and that is not going to change over the next 3-4 seasons.

Arsenal vs City is the new Liverpool vs City. Arteta, the manager you said should be sacked last season because he is not good enough, he put together a title-winning squad that is yet to reach its full potential.

He is comfortably the best young manager in the game today and I am very happy that the Arsenal board didn’t listen to ignorant football fans like you who don’t have a clue and didn’t sack him when Arsenal had hit rock-bottom.

I’m also looking forward to May and all the posts that I will bump. You are featuring at the very top in terms of number of posts. Please stay tuned.
 
Kroll said:
Yeah I did address this afterwards, unlikely to be any punishment this season. As for the title...
Click to expand...

Don’t worry, we can still manufacture an excuse to discredit Arsenal and explain why City couldn’t leapfrog them.

We can say that the FFP scandal broke out at the wrong time and created discord within the City camp. As a result, they couldn’t focus on the job at hand and Arsenal capitalized on it.

Gary Neville will surely play this card when Arsenal win the league. The only guy who gets things wrong more often than our very own [MENTION=149166]Technics 1210[/MENTION] and that is not a small achievement.
 
Manchester City: Former captain Vincent Kompany 'sceptical' of critics

Former captain Vincent Kompany says he is "very sceptical" of people "pointing fingers" at Manchester City after the club was charged by the Premier League with breaking financial rules.

"I look at it and sometimes roll my eyes a little bit," Kompany said.

"No doubt there's a lot of righteousness in the world to come and tell you what you've done wrong, and then if everybody looks at themselves, I think the football industry in general is not one that can afford to point the finger too many times," the Burnley manager added.

"I think all of you will have a little bit of a smile on your face to know what the football industry is about. I'm very sceptical when people start pointing fingers.

"Do the best for yourself and let's try and improve all the time but I'm a little bit sceptical when the fingers get pointed easily."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64563546
 
Man City: Premier League clubs want champions kicked out if guilty of alleged financial breaches

Many Premier League clubs want Manchester City to be kicked out of the division if they are found guilty of breaking rules over nine seasons.

City said on Monday they were "surprised" to have been charged by the Premier League with 101 alleged breaches of financial rules spanning from 2009/10 to 2017/18.

The Premier League's most severe punishment in these circumstances would be to expel City and it has been reported that the English Football League would be under no obligation to accept them.

There is a feeling that taking away City's titles retrospectively would be meaningless and cause confusion, but a fine is also not likely to have much of an effect.

The clubs who had been pressing hardest for action until Monday were some other members of the so-called 'big six' - which includes Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

What punishments can the independent commission impose on a club?

- Suspend a club from playing league matches
- Points deductions
- Recommend to the board that league matches be replayed
- Recommend to the board that the league expels the respondent club
- Order compensation
- Cancel or refuse registration of players
- Conditional punishment
- Order the club to pay costs
- Make such other order as it thinks fit

There will not be much sympathy for City, who have won the Premier League six times in the last 11 years, if they are found guilty.

Premier League clubs do not want to get involved in the process, which is in the hands of an independent commission.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...d-out-if-guilty-of-alleged-financial-breaches
 
Manchester City: Former captain Vincent Kompany 'sceptical' of critics

Former captain Vincent Kompany says he is "very sceptical" of people "pointing fingers" at Manchester City after the club was charged by the Premier League with breaking financial rules.

The Premier League champions have been charged with 115 breaches of the competition's financial rules following a four-year investigation.

In a statement, City said they were "surprised" by the charges.

"I look at it and sometimes roll my eyes a little bit," Kompany said.

"No doubt there's a lot of righteousness in the world to come and tell you what you've done wrong, and then if everybody looks at themselves, I think the football industry in general is not one that can afford to point the finger too many times," the Burnley manager added.

"I think all of you will have a little bit of a smile on your face to know what the football industry is about. I'm very sceptical when people start pointing fingers.

"Do the best for yourself and let's try and improve all the time but I'm a little bit sceptical when the fingers get pointed easily."

Kompany won four Premier League titles during an 11-year spell at Etihad Stadium from 2008 until 2019.

The charges against City, who were taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, relate to a period between 2009 and 2018 - during which the club won all six of its Premier League titles.

The Premier League has referred the club to an independent commission over alleged rule breaches, with possible punishments ranging from a fine and points deduction to expulsion from the league.

City said in a statement: "The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.

"As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."

BBC
 
Arsenal are winning the league regardless. Something missing with City.
 
Blackstone Chambers’ Lord Pannick KC is set to defend Manchester City FC again, after the Premier League brought more than 100 charges against the football club yesterday.

The leading silk, whose recent instructions include advising Boris Johnson in relation to the Partygate inquiry and acting against the UK Government in the Supreme Court case over the prorogation of Parliament, is widely believed to be one of the best barristers of his generation. He will go head to head with Blackstone Chambers colleague Adam Lewis KC in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest, and most expensive, sports law battles in history.

The Lawyer understands that Pannick typically charges around £5,000 an hour, but has been known to request up to £10,000. If he were paid at the top end of that scale, come the trial when he is working full-time, Pannick could be paid £80,000 a day, or £400,000 a week – the same as Manchester City’s (and the Premier League’s) highest-paid player Kevin De Bruyne. At £5,000 an hour, he would still be paid more than all but seven of the club’s players.

Fee agreements for first instance hearings rarely see barristers paid their top price, with counsel typically paid a set brief fee for all aspects of preparation and the first day of the hearing. Court documents in 2020 revealed that Pannick had charged £3,000 an hour on the Privatbank litigation, along with an £800,000 brief fee.

Pannick is rarely instructed on first instance hearings given the extensive legwork required for such cases, combined with his high fees. Manchester City’s instruction of him indicates how seriously it takes the charges, which follow a four-year investigation into potential breaches of the League’s financial regulations, dating back to the 2009/10 season. If proven, the charges could see the club expelled from the Premier League or even, according to one source, see the directors banned from the club’s board.

The matter already reached the Court of Appeal in 2021, after Manchester City challenged the Premier League’s decision to set up an arbitration panel obliging the club to provide documents to the investigators.

Monckton Chambers’ Paul Harris KC will join Pannick on Manchester City’s team, while Blackstone’s Andrew Hunter KC and Jason Pobjoy will appear alongside Lewis for the Premier League.

The Premier League is understood to have instructed Bird & Bird. Clifford Chance partner Chris Yates represented the club before the Court of Appeal and over the course of the investigation, but has yet to comment on whether he is still instructed.

Head of the Premier League’s judiciary panel, Murray Rosen KC of 4 New Square Chambers, will appoint three members to the tribunal to hear the case. The teams will be familiar with their opponents. Pannick and Hunter teamed up on the Privatbank case, while Pobjoy supported Pannick on the advice to Boris Johnson over Partygate.

UEFA brought charges against Manchester City for financial fair play breaches in 2019, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) eventually dismissed most due to time limitations, a restriction that does not exist under Premier League Rules. The club was fined €10m, however, for failing to cooperate with the investigation. Following the first instance hearing before UEFA, which the club lost, owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, said that he would “rather spend £30m on the 50 best lawyers” than accept the club’s punishment.

No timeline has been released for the case, but the Premier League has previously accused the club of using procedural applications and opposition to slow down the investigation.

At the time of printing, Blackstone Chambers, Clifford Chance and Bird & Bird had not replied to requests for comment.

https://www.thelawyer.com/man-city-hires-pannick-as-it-fights-for-premier-league-survival/
 
Manchester city manager Pep Guardiola was asked about the Premier League charges against the club:

"My first thought is that we have already been condemned, what happened is this same that happened with Uefa.

"We had already accusations and now we are charged. The club proved they were innocent (from Uefa charges).

"You know what side I am."
 
Manchester City have been "already sentenced" over alleged financial rule breaches, says manager Pep Guardiola.

The Premier League charged City with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules on Monday.

A two-year ban from European competitions for breaching Uefa's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in 2020.

"The club proved they were completely innocent," said Guardiola.

"What's happened since Monday is the same as what happened with Uefa. We have already been condemned.

"You have to understand that 19 teams in the Premier League are accusing us without us having the ability to defend.

"We are lucky we live in a marvellous country where everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

"We didn't have this opportunity, we are already sentenced. I am fully convinced we will be [proven] innocent."

The Premier League has referred City to an independent commission over alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, during which time the club won three of their six Premier League titles.

It also accused City of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018.

The commission can impose punishments ranging from a fine and points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League.

City, who were bought by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, said they were "surprised" by the charges and their innocence is supported by a "body of irrefutable evidence".

Guardiola reiterated that confidence in a defiant news conference on Friday, during which he also said he believes the charges have been driven by rival clubs.

When asked if he believed that was the case, he said: "Of course - it is the Premier League. I don't know why. You have to ask the CEOs.

"They have opened a precedent right now, what they have done to us.

"Be careful, be careful in the future, as there's a lot of clubs that have been accused like we have without being innocent, who knows what will happen in the future?

"They believe that we didn't behave properly, we can accept that, but let us defend when we believe we did it properly."

Guardiola previously said he would leave City if allegations they broke financial rules were proven.

However, he said he had no intention of quitting on Friday, adding: "I am not moving from this seat, I can assure you. I want to stay more than ever."

The Spaniard said he would not be concerned even if City were relegated by the commission.

"We have already been in the lower divisions," he said. "We will be back there - not a problem.

"We will call Paul Dickov and Mike Summerbee and we will do again.

"But they should wait. We are going to defend ourselves, like we did in the Uefa situation."

Guardiola said he does not know what will happen next but has received reassurances of City's innocence from the club's hierarchy.

"We have a good lawyer, not that Uefa had bad lawyers," he added.

"And I think the Premier League, supported by 19 teams, are going to take good lawyers too, to defend their position.

"I would have loved to wait and to find out what happens but just in case we are not innocent we will accept what the judge and the Premier League decides.

"But if the same situation with Uefa happens and we are innocent, what happens to restore or pay back our damage?"

BBC
 
Manchester City: Club's success will always 'belong to us' - Pep Guardiola

Manchester City's achievements will always "belong to us" even if the club is stripped of its Premier League titles, says manager Pep Guardiola.

The Premier League has charged City with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

During that time, City won three Premier League titles, two of which were under Spaniard Guardiola.

"Nobody can remove it, the feelings, the good moments, the bad moments," he said.

The first of City's titles came in 2012 through Sergio Aguero's memorable last-gasp winner on the final day against QPR, while in 2014 they finished first after a late run pipped Liverpool by two points.

The Reds were top with three games left, but a slip by captain Steven Gerrard saw Demba Ba go on to score as Chelsea beat them 2-0 at Anfield. Liverpool then drew 3-3 at Crystal Palace after being 3-0 up, while City won all their remaining games.

"Absolutely, they belong to us," added Guardiola. "Regardless of the sentence, they belong to us.

"The moment from Sergio Aguero, with (Mario) Balotelli slipping him in. I don't know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping. In that situation at Anfield I didn't want that, for respect for Steven Gerrard, but is it our fault?

"The Premier League will decide but I know what we won, and the way we won it, with the effort we put in.

"For something that happened in 2009 or 2010 - I don't know how long ago it was - this is not going to change that one second."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64613375
 
I believe City look better with Ruben Diaz at the heart of their defence and in that first half they looked solid when he was on the field.

Still not at their best but now only 3 points behind Arsenal.
 
That was City in top form tonight.

Their big boys like KDB, Haaland etc were on song and Pep out-did Arteta when it came to the tactical battle.

Top of the league now and the pressure on Arsenal.
 
Man City are going to very dangerous for the rest of the season. Because of the recent allegations, they are playing with this “Us vs the world” mentality and I think that makes them even more dangerous. I won’t be surprised if they run away with the league from this point onwards.
 
Kyle Walker said Manchester City's performance was "not acceptable" after they missed the opportunity to return to the top of the Premier League with a draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Chris Wood's late goal cancelled out Bernardo Silva's rocket from 20 yards, with the visitors missing chances in abundance to put the game to bed.

"We've dropped two points here," said Walker. "The chances we had in front of goal - we need to be better, [with] the calibre of players we've got up front we should be scoring them and putting them away."

Erling Haaland volleyed against the crossbar and ballooned the rebound over the top after Aymeric Laporte's header was brilliantly saved by Forest keeper Keylor Navas.

But Morgan Gibbs-White's fizzed cross was tapped in at the far post in the 84th minute for Wood's first Forest goal.

"I'm not blaming anyone," Walker told Match of the Day. "If the strikers aren't getting the luck or hitting the target, us as a defensive unit need to hang onto the 1-0 victory and secure the three points.

"We know that's not acceptable. That's not me being downbeat but we've set such high standards over the last few years that it should be four or five nil, game done and we move onto the next game."

The draw extended Forest's unbeaten home run to eight games and meant City dropped to second after Arsenal returned to the top with a 4-2 comeback win against Aston Villa earlier on Saturday.

"The hard work we did on Wednesday [in the win against Arsenal], it hasn't gone to waste, but this is a blow because you put that good shift in and play a game that we're not used to with the low percent of possession, so to come here and drop two points is not ideal," Walker said.

"Hopefully there's a few twists and turns in our direction now and we can go and be up there or there abouts to go and win this Premier League."

City rue missed opportunities

After being limited to 37% possession against Arsenal in midweek, the lowest percentage of any Guardiola team in the top flight, City returned to some semblance of normality with a dominant 84% in the opening period on Saturday.

Starting his first game after a spell on the sidelines with a foot injury, Phil Foden was a highlight for City, driving forward and making a nuisance of himself to a depleted Forest backline.

Silva, playing again as a makeshift left-back, sent a decent effort from range whistling over the bar moments before receiving the ball on the edge of the area and firing a stunning left-footed shot into the roof of the net.

The goal was reward for the visitors' continued pressure and they had ample opportunity to prevent the nervy finish, Foden's off-balance pass not quite reaching Haaland for a tap-in and Ilkay Gundogan narrowly misjudging Kyle Walker's cross.

But City, for all their dominance, were made to rue their missed chances and were reduced to last-ditch attempts as they scrambled for a late winner.

Kevin de Bruyne had seven attempts at goal but found his radar to be off target as City failed to capitalise on any momentum gathered from their victory over title rivals Arsenal on Wednesday.

They have now dropped 15 away points this season, compared with 11 in total last term.

"It was a really good game," Guardiola told Match of the Day. "We did everything, we played perfectly, had amazing chances, we were going to see the game out, we couldn't believe it, but this is football. You have to score.

"[It is] one of the best games we've played but we dropped two points."
 
Manchester City put a frustrating week behind them to brush Bournemouth aside and keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Having twice surrendered leads to draw with Nottingham Forest domestically and RB Leipzig in the Champions League, City never looked in danger of doing so again once Julian Alvarez poked them ahead.

Erling Haaland maintained his goal-a-game ratio since his summer arrival by tucking home a close-range second for his 27th top-flight goal of the season to end a relatively lean spell of one in six games.

Phil Foden punished Philip Billing's wayward pass to add City's third before half-time, and Bournemouth's misery was completed after the break when Chris Mepham deflected an Alvarez volley into his own net.

After the table-topping Gunners won at Leicester earlier on Saturday, City's victory reduced Arsenal's cushion back to two points, although the leaders still enjoy the luxury of a game in hand.

Battling Bournemouth deservedly claimed a late consolation via Jefferson Lerma but were outclassed overall, and defeat leaves them 19th after three other teams in the bottom six picked up points.
 
Haaland has become a double edged sword. He is scoring but the team has lost its edge. Unless he helps to win the CL, his signing hasn't come off
 
Back to ruthless winning ways. Title race is going down to the wire.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗣️ "Absolutely nothing happens!" 😠<br><br>Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have been treated unfairly by referees in the Premier League when it comes to timewasting. <a href="https://t.co/oPkZNDhW9h">pic.twitter.com/oPkZNDhW9h</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1631921845703196672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Kyle Walker could face a police investigation after CCTV footage appeared to show the Manchester City player ‘exposing himself in a Manchester bar’
 
Julian Alvarez has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester City to keep him at the club until 2028.

A World Cup winner with Argentina, the 23-year-old forward has scored 10 goals in 33 appearances since moving from River Plate last summer.

Alvarez initially joined on a five-and-a-half-year deal but has now signed an "improved" contract reflecting his performances for club and country.

He said City offers him "everything he needs" to reach his best.

"For a club like City to put their faith in me like this is amazing," Alvarez said.

"I have been really pleased with my first season here, but I have plenty more I can do. I know I can be better, and City offer me everything I need to fulfil my potential."

Alvarez scored four goals for Argentina in Qatar as the country won its third World Cup crown.

"Julian has impressed everyone at Manchester City with his technical ability, dedication and attitude," said City director of football Txiki Begiristain.

"We saw at the World Cup what a special talent he is. To win that trophy at his age is amazing and we are all very proud of what he achieved.

"His progress so far has been really good, but we are now fully focused on developing his game even further and turning him into one of the best strikers in world football."
 
Haaland a doubt for City, Foden out

Pep Guardiola says he will see how Erling Haaland does in training on Friday afternoon before deciding if he is available to face Liverpool on Saturday.

The striker missed Norway’s games during the international break due to a groin injury suffered against Burnley.

Guardiola confirmed Phil Foden will miss out after having his appendix removed. “Phil had the surgery, Erling is recovering, we are going to do the last training session and see how he feels,” Guardiola said.

Guardian
 
'I would love to be in Arsenal's position'
Man City v Liverpool (12:30 BST)

Man City boss Pep Guardiola talking to BT Sport: "There are a lot of games of football left and a lot of things can happen. We don't feel as though Arsenal will drop many points but hopefully we can be there as long as possible.

"I would love to be in Arsenal's position but until the last moment we will fight. We have done it for many, many years. It is step by step, game by game and we will see what happens.

"To be in contention for all the competitions, this is amazing. When you win you have the tendency to drop a bit but we are still there and this makes me happy.

"I feel old."
 
Showed their class today despite being 1-0 down to Liverpool.

Missing Haaland and Foden, but too good for the visitors.

I still fancy Arsenal to win the league, but City are going to push them all the way.
 
Defender Kyle Walker will struggle to get back into the Manchester City team because he cannot play in the current system, says manager Pep Guardiola.

Walker, 32, has started only two of City's past seven matches.

England team-mate John Stones has been favoured in recent weeks in an inverted full-back role where he pushes into central midfield alongside Rodri.

"He (Walker) cannot do it. To play inside you have to make some educated movements," said Guardiola.

"He has other characteristics. He will always have pace. He will be the fastest in this room at 60 years old."

Defending Premier League champions City, who are second in the table, face Southampton at St Mary's at 17:30 BST on Saturday.

Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko played the inverted role, which allowed Walker, who has 75 England caps, to slot in on the right of a back three when they pushed into midfield.

But Zinchenko left for Arsenal last summer and Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on loan in January.

Nathan Ake is now playing regularly at left-back and drops into the back three, meaning the right-back is required to push forward, something Stones did to great effect in last weekend's 4-1 Premier League win over Liverpool.

"The reason why is tactical. It's not because we lost faith in Kyle," said Guardiola.

"He can play coming inside and he has done it many times, but like in the position [against] Liverpool with Rodri and John, he will maybe need time to do it and we don't have time."

Guardiola offered Walker hope of a return by referring to Ake's progress, and urged every player in the squad to be ready to play.

"What they have to do is two things," Guardiola said. "Don't complain or there will be a problem. And try to do it better and better so when I need them, they will be ready.

"Look at Nathan this season. Last season he didn't play one minute and now he is undroppable. It happens.

"Nobody has a guarantee with me. They have to earn it and sometimes we need a different shape for the way we build up or defend. Some players adapt better than the other ones.

"They take it personally but we are not against them. We just need something and try to use it."

BBC
 
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, talking to Sky Sports: "I was talking to James Ward Prowse at the end, they always play good, they just sometimes miss a striker. For half an hour we had it tough, then we had chances and thankfully scored the goal. We played really well in the second half. The goal we conceded was soft, but we played really well.

"The play really good football, they press well and are compact. They are a good side."

On reaching 100 Premier League assists: "I saw it before the game. A lot of people were talking about it online. It is something you can't really miss. I just tried to create as much as possible. I could have had two or three more. If they score I get the assist. Of course I am proud. I am known for my creativity, there aren't many football players who have been there. Half of the side is mine and half of the side is the other. It is a proud moment but I have to go on."

On doing it 56 games quicker than Cesc Fabregas: "I don't compare. Cesc is an unbelievable footballer player. I don't compare myself to others. I just try and do the best I can do. People will talk about quicker. Everything is different, you play different positions and teams. We score a lot of goals!"

On Erling Haaland: "He scores alot of goals. It is insane. He is there. If we create chances he is there. It is a good combination. He knows what I want to do and i know what he wants to do."

On whether he will watch Arsenal tomorrow: "To be fair I want to see my family a little bit. They are going on holiday for Easter so I'd prefer to see my family for a little bit before they go away. There won't be a lot of time to watch the game."
 
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports: "Southampton were incredible in the first half, really organised. We were a little sloppy, we were fortunate to score on the edge of the first half but the second half was much, much better.

"They kept fighting and were a good opponent for us. It was not easy, sometimes you have to give credit to the opponent. I have a respect for them."

On De Bruyne: "Kevin is playing at that level. He was involved in many things. He is exceptional. There are players who need to play at 40% but he is a guy who needs to play for every action at a high, high level.

"When one player has this 80-90% intensity and ability to see the passes he is more calm than the ones at 40%. He is an exceptional player."

On Haaland: "I think our bosses bought him for this type of game, we are uncomfortable and not playing at our best level but he gets the goal. The second you can't imagine at his height he has this ability. Exceptional goal."
 
Look at City's remaining fixtures you wouldn't put it past them winning all of them. They are on a roll now and looking like they have clicked into gear.
 
Erling Haaland scored twice, including a superb bicycle kick, as Manchester City reduced the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points with a comfortable victory at relegation-threatened Southampton.

Haaland, absent from City's previous league win over Liverpool with a groin injury, displayed his athleticism to meet Jack Grealish's cross for City's third and take his remarkable league tally this season to 30 goals in 27 games.

Kevin de Bruyne registered his 100th Premier League assist as he set up Haaland to give dominant City a half-time lead at St Mary's, before Grealish continued his impressive post-World Cup form as he beat Gavin Bazunu at the second time of asking.

Sekou Mara emerged from the Saints bench to reduce the deficit following Haaland's acrobatic second, but just 75 seconds later City were awarded a penalty for a foul on De Bruyne which Julian Alvarez calmly converted.

It completed an eighth consecutive win in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side, who maintained the pressure on Arsenal before the Gunners face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 BST).

Southampton remain four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table and time is running out for Ruben Selles and his players to rescue their situation.
 
Fantastic result and performance tonight.

To beat Bayern Munich 3 0 takes some doing.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"The reality is we are 6 points behind"<br><br>Pep Guardiola says there's 'no guarantee' that Manchester City will win their games to cut Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League table 👇 <a href="https://t.co/uyXTuaQdt1">pic.twitter.com/uyXTuaQdt1</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1646858447814643714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Arsenal clash looms large

This game went true to form as Manchester City's juggernaut streamrolled on in their aim for a Treble of trophies.

Guardiola's side are ominously bearing in on Arsenal, and the Londoners cannot afford any slip-ups knowing City are hitting form at the right time by putting together a 10-game winning streak.

They look on course to reach the last four of the Champions League after taking apart Bayern Munich in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday and face Sheffield United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup next Saturday.

But on 26 April comes that huge clash against Arsenal, which could potentially be a title-decider at Etihad Stadium, with the visitors aiming to end their long top-flight trophy wait and stop their opponents from claiming three in a row.

Leading City's charge is irrepressible frontman Haaland, who continues to wreak havoc with his goalscoring, taking his tally to 47 in 40 games in all competitions.

His spot-kick and cheeky finish from Kevin De Bruyne's pass extended his total to 32 in the top flight, drawing alongside Mohamed Salah's record in a 38 game season with eight games still to play.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker's goals put his side 3-0 up after they were set on their way by Stones' fabulous first-time finish from the edge of the box.

With the points all-but secure, both players were withdrawn at half-time and the team could not find more goals as Leicester dug in.
 
Pep Guardiola was 'worried' at late Leicester rally | Jamie Redknapp: Man City got incredibly lucky

Pep Guardiola admitted he was "worried" by Leicester's late rally in the 3-1 win while Jamie Redknapp said Guardiola's Man City side were "incredibly lucky" to win.

John Stones opened the scoring early on before two further first-half goals from Erling Haaland, the first from the penalty spot and the second set up by Kevin De Bruyne, settled the result before the break.

The hope for Leicester in Dean Smith's first game in charge was their final 15 minutes when substitute Kelechi Iheanacho's late goal against his former club almost triggered the most unlikely of comebacks with the Nigeria forward and James Maddison missing late chances.

By that point in the match, Guardiola, whose side face Bayern Munich on Wednesday, had made five substitutions, taking off John Stones, Rodri, Haaland, De Bruyne and Jack Grealish as City completely lost their rhythm in the final stages.

Guardiola told Sky Sports: "It's always tricky after the Champions League against a team who is fighting but the quality is there. We started really well with focus but when you make lots of substitutions you drop a little bit. It's three points and we move to the next one.

"It was completely different because the guys that start the second half it was the same approach as the beginning. I have a little bit of experience to play in three days in the important stages and you make a lot of substitutions and some dynamics we have and some players don't. And when the game was under control we made the changes.

"Of course it was worrying - we made a mistake and then they had the chance with Maddison and Kelechi. The game was tricky in the last 15 minutes. But the first 60-65 minutes was good."

The victory takes City to within three points of Arsenal with a game in hand. Mikel Arteta's side play West Ham, live on Super Sunday with Man City and the Gunners set to lock horns on Wednesday April 26

Guardiola said: "Like I said lately, it is always win, win and win. They have done an incredible season so far, aren't going to drop many points. It was important to win today because it is a final we have against them in the next game."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...wobble-redknapp-man-city-got-incredibly-lucky
 
Manchester City have submitted a planning application for a £300m expansion of Etihad Stadium.

The club want to increase the current capacity of 53,400 to 60,000 by expanding the North Stand.

Proposals include a sky bar overlooking the pitch and a stadium roof walk experience.

A 3,000-capacity fan zone, new club shop and museum, and 400-bed hotel have also been proposed in the application to Manchester City Council.

The club say the project, which would take three years to complete, would create a "best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination".

The planning application follows a consultation with fans and the local community.

City say the proposals represent more than £300m investment into east Manchester, and could create 2,600 jobs, with priority for people from Greater Manchester.

There are also plans for new office spaces for businesses that want to work in collaboration with the club and their partners.

In August, City announced discussions were in a primary phase to expand the two-tier North Stand to three tiers, but their planning application proposes to expand the single upper tier above the existing lower tier.

"As with all Club developments, ensuring our local community benefit is a key priority and we believe these proposals will deliver long-term economic and social opportunities, building on the regeneration work delivered in east Manchester by City Football Group since 2008," said Danny Wilson, managing director of Manchester City Operations.

The Etihad was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games and has been home to the Premier League champions since 2003.

An expansion in 2015 added 6,000 seats and the ground currently has the fifth-largest capacity of Premier League stadiums.

BBC
 
Phil Foden has returned to training as Manchester City head into their final eight Premier League games four points behind leaders Arsenal.

The midfielder, 22, has been sidelined since having his appendix removed last month while on England duty.

Foden has scored 13 goals in 36 appearances for City this season.

City face Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the Champions League quarter-finals, 3-0 up from the first leg, and are also in contention for the FA Cup.

They are four points behind Arsenal with a game in hand in the Premier League, and host the Gunners on 26 April, while they face Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday.

BBC
 
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will face "11 players, not the history" of Bayern Munich in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg.

The teams will meet at the Allianz Arena with City holding a three-goal advantage from the first leg.

But Guardiola said Bayern, who have won the trophy six times, will still be a threat on home soil.

"We don't play against what they achieved, but having something like that is something special," he said.

City have yet to win the Champions League, having lost the 2021 final to Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea and were beaten in last season's semi-finals by an incredible Real Madrid comeback.

"It's nice to travel around and play these types of opponents, it's nice to be here and try to make an incredible achievement and reach the semi-final again," added Guardiola.

The Spaniard, who managed Bayern for three years before taking charge of City in 2016 and leading them to four Premier League titles, wants his side to further "punish" Bayern after their outstanding first-leg performance in Manchester.

"We must focus on what we have to do to control the game, punish them, come here to win the game in Munich against one of the most historic teams in the competition," he said.

"I've been here in Bayern and I know the mentality of the club. It's in the skin of everyone and I know they believe they can do it.

"We believe [we can do it] too. When you are in these types of clubs, where you build the feeling that whatever happens you can do it. They have history in the competition and we are growing in that.

"After many years, winning Premier Leagues and getting to finals and semi-finals we are reaching a level that is quite interesting for us. I don't have any doubts the players want it, the desire, they want it of course.

"We don't have to defend the game - we can play. We can be here to play one football game, 11 men against 11 men, try to do better than the opponent in this specific game. We have to do our game."

City are boosted by the return of midfielder Phil Foden after he returned to training with the squad on Tuesday, having been sidelined since having his appendix removed last month.

Tuchel says Bayern 'need a miracle'

Bayern boss Tuchel admits his side face a mammoth task to overcome City.

"It will be a miracle if we pull it off, but we can't just talk a miracle into existence," he said.

"Playing against Manchester City is a massive challenge, they are in great form recently. It's in our own hands, we need to give it everything.

"We're not alone, we have a good team and we have the fans. We have to go step by step.

"We need the momentum and those little moments to go our way - it won't come off otherwise. We have to get the balance right. We know the size of the task that awaits us and just how difficult it will be."

Tuchel's side drew 1-1 against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday, meaning the former Chelsea boss has only won two of his first five games in charge.

However, Bayern could be boosted by the return of top scorer Eric Choupo-Moting after a knee injury. Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane will also be available after being suspended for reportedly punching team-mate Leroy Sane following the 3-0 loss at City.

"We believe in ourselves and know we can win both halves," added Tuchel. "If we do that, anything can happen, especially if we get a bit of luck which we didn't have in the first leg. We will take things one half at a time."

BBC
 
What a season they are having.

Knocked Bayern Munich out of the Champions League and will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
 
Manchester City are reportedly in competition with rivals Manchester United in the race to snap up Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.

The 26-year-old – dubbed ‘The Monster’ – is understood to have a release clause of £40million and is attracting plenty of suitors.

Napoli star Min-jae is attracting plenty of interest including both Manchester clubs

Min-jae has established himself as one of the top centre-backs in Italy since joining the Serie A leaders from Fenerbahce for £15m last summer to replace Kalidou Koulibaly.

But he could already be on the move after just one year, with The Sun stating that both Manchester clubs are eyeing up the South Korea international.

The news outlet adds that Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the defender, with the player understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League.

City have Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Aymeric Laporte at the back, but the latter faces an uncertain future after falling down the pecking order.

Stones and Ake have also been used as inverted full-backs this season, suggesting there is room for another centre-back addition.

Min-jae, who has made 30 appearances for Napoli in all competitions, has previously been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham.

Spurs are known to be long-term admirers of Min-jae, with previous boss Jose Mourinho a fan of the player.

The Portuguese tactician, who is now manager of Roma, previously spoke of trying to secure the services of Min-jae when he was at Spurs.

He said: “I can tell you a story about one of their players.

“I spoke to him on FaceTime and wanted to buy him at Tottenham, but Tottenham didn’t help me.”

His claim was backed up by Fenerbahce president Ali Koc, who declared that Spurs were unwilling to match their demands.

He revealed: “Jose Mourinho wanted Kim Min-Jae (in 2020).

“But (Spurs) did not pay the €14m [£12.3m].”

TalkSports
 
Unstoppable City maintain Treble charge

Cross-city rivals Manchester United are the only English team to complete the Treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup with their unforgettable success in 1999.

The next few days will determine how close City can get to emulating that feat.

A fifth title triumph in the past six years is in close reach having cruised to a comfortable victory over Everton, while United will be aiming to stop them from matching their unprecedented achievement in next month's FA Cup final at Wembley.

But Europe's elite club competition is the win they crave most and they will again face holders Real Madrid on Wednesday, with the semi-final tantalisingly poised at 1-1 after the first leg.

They are in fine form too, with 12 consecutive league wins and an unbeaten run in all competitions stretching to 22.

City's slick operators had not managed to create a chance until captain Gundogan, on his 300th appearance for the club, controlled a pass from Riyad Mahrez and hooked in a delightful finish with his back to goal, as well as converting a stunning free-kick.

In between, striker Haaland had only touched the ball twice before nodding in his 52nd goal of an astonishing campaign, as he continues to chase down Everton great Dixie Dean's record of 63 in a single campaign.

A spectacular scissor kick went awry in the second half, but the damage had long been done and the Norwegian has potentially six games remaining to break Dean's record, which has remained untouched for 96 years.
 
Pep Guardiola has compared Manchester City attempting to secure the Premier League title this weekend to serving for a Wimbledon championship.

City will wrap up the title if Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, or they beat Chelsea the following day.

They are also on course for the Treble after beating Real Madrid on Wednesday to reach the Champions League final.

"Tennis players say to serve to win Wimbledon is the most difficult one," said City manager Guardiola.

"It's non-stop. Of course we are satisfied to play the Champions League final but now is coming the most difficult thing.

"But on Sunday the game is in our hands to win the most important competition."

Guardiola says City have shown the same mentality this season as they have in previous title-winning campaigns, despite spending the majority of this year behind long-time leaders Arsenal.

They trailed the Gunners by eight points at the start of April, but a run of 11 consecutive league wins stretching back to February has seen them open up a four-point gap at the summit as they seek a fifth Premier League title in six seasons.

"Now we talk about mentalities because we won. And I don't believe in that. I defend the team when we lose and they had the same mentality," added Guardiola.

"This is the reality. To recover eight points on Arsenal - first we had one game in hand in that moment, so it was a little bit fake but we knew we had to win almost all games and they had to drop it.

"If Arsenal had maintained the same rhythm as the first leg [half of the season] and doing what they had done it would not be possible to catch them. But they drop a few points and we were there. Again, another season, and that means a lot to us."
 
Man city deserved PL champions, could be 10 points ahead come end of the season.
 
Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions for the third successive season after title rivals Arsenal lost at Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners, top for the majority of the campaign, are four points behind City with only one game left to play after being beaten 1-0 on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side have won the title in five of the past six campaigns.

They also have a chance to claim the Treble, with the FA Cup and Champions League finals to come next month.

Only Manchester United, in 1998-99, have previously achieved that feat - and it is their derby rivals whom City will meet at Wembley on 3 June, before facing Inter Milan a week later in Istanbul, where they will seek their first Champions League triumph.
 
Congrats, brilliant team with brilliant manager.
 
An outstanding team.

Deserved champions again.

So much strength in depth, all bases covered and a brilliant manager.
 
Pep is the greatest coach the Premier League has ever had

He's been here 7 years and we've seen so many subtle and not so subtle tactical evolutions from him

It's not the first season where people write him off and say they don't look quite right but he then gets City on a run where they win for fun and look formidable

He's won the league with a versatile number 9, with a false 9 and now an out and out number 9

He's won it with tradional full backs, make shift full back (Delph) and now CB's playing as full backs

It's just constant evolution, I think the rest of the Premier League need to hope he hits a wall soon enough and decides to move on otherwise it's going to be tough to win the league
 
5 titles in 6 years. Could potentially finish it off with a treble. Pure domination.
 
Liverpool have almost agreed personal terms with Brighton and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, 24, although a deal is not yet done. (Fabrizio Romano)
 
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