Pep Guardiola offers Man City fan a chance to coach during 1-0 win over Newcastle

MANCHESTER - A Manchester City fan got an unexpected offer of a chance to coach the team from Pep Guardiola after the Spanish manager declined to make any substitutions during his side’s 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle United.

Guardiola’s side won the Uefa Super Cup on Wednesday by defeating Spanish La Liga side Sevilla on penalties, and they faced a quick turnaround to face Newcastle late on Saturday evening at the Etihad.

However, despite the recovery time being less than optimal, the manager made no substitutions as his side scored a comfortable 1-0 win over the visiting Magpies.

The exchange with the fan took place in the latter stages of the game and caught the attention of pundits and fans on social media.

“He (the fan) said to me, ‘Make a sub’. I said, come sit here and do it. The game was in a good tempo, a good rhythm,” Guardiola told broadcaster TNT, which showed footage of the interaction during the broadcast.

“I didn’t see the players too tired. It wasn’t easy to make the changes so I didn’t do it,” he added.

City looked a class above Newcastle throughout, passing their way through the visitors’ press and cutting them open with through balls from Phil Foden, who was deployed in a playmaker role.

“Phil is a reality as a player, he can play many positions. He is a real threat. I am really pleased. The way he behaves with everyone. The mentality is always there. That is the most important thing,” Guardiola said.

Their second league victory in a row sees City move into second place behind surprise leaders Brighton & Hove Albion, and having secured their first trophy of the season in midweek, the mood is good in the City camp.

“Now a long week to rest a little bit and prepare for the future ... Everyone is fantastic, what can I say? It means a lot to all of us,” Guardiola said. REUTERS