“I only fear facing them because of HIM” Pep Guardiola make admission on why he doesn’t want to face the MAGPIES for now this season.
Pep Guardiola has always had a way of speaking highly about Newcastle United, a trait that certainly endears him to the club’s fans. His compliments are often generous, and while it may seem like he’s laying it on a bit thick at times, it’s something that Newcastle supporters won’t turn down.
Guardiola has already stated that Newcastle could be a dark horse in the title race this season, a sentiment that might seem overly flattering to some, but it underscores the respect he has for Eddie Howe’s team. The Manchester City manager has been particularly vocal about the potential threat Newcastle poses, especially since the team won’t be distracted by European football this season.
Guardiola’s Wary Eye on Newcastle United
In a recent appearance on the Men In Blazers podcast, Guardiola once again highlighted his concerns about facing Newcastle. A clip from the show, which has been making rounds on Reddit, captures Guardiola admitting his apprehension about coming up against Howe’s side.
“Newcastle will be back because it’s one game a week. They don’t have European competition and the energy they play with, the physicality, with just one game a week, we will be trembling, we will be trembling when we play against them,” Guardiola said.
This isn’t the first time Newcastle has given Guardiola’s Manchester City a tough game under Howe’s management. While the results haven’t always gone Newcastle’s way, the Magpies have consistently made life difficult for City, proving that they can compete with the very best.
A Confidence Gap Between Pep and Newcastle Fans
However, while Guardiola’s respect and fear for Newcastle are evident, the sentiment isn’t fully reciprocated by the Newcastle faithful, at least not at this moment. The summer transfer window has been a source of frustration for many fans, with concerns that the squad hasn’t been sufficiently strengthened to compete at the highest levels this season.
Newcastle supporters are especially anxious about the lack of reinforcements in key areas like center-back and right-wing. Unless the club’s recruitment team, led by Paul Mitchell, makes some crucial signings before the transfer window closes next Friday, there’s a growing fear that the top four might be out of reach this season.
The fans are all too aware that the team’s success in clinching a top-four spot last season was somewhat miraculous, particularly with Miguel Almiron as the starting right-winger. There’s a lingering doubt about whether lightning can strike twice, especially without significant upgrades to the squad.
So while Guardiola’s words might bring a bit of comfort, the reality on Tyneside is one of cautious optimism mixed with a hefty dose of anxiety. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Newcastle can live up to the expectations that even the great Pep Guardiola seems to have for them.