Pep Guardiola unsure if Manchester City have their fear factor back in EPL
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Manchester City's boss Pep Guardiola and star striker Erling Haaland will be looking to build on last weekend's 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers when they take on Tottenham Hotspur.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is not a magician and he does not know what will happen this season, as he looks ahead to his side’s English Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad on Aug 23.
Both teams enter the fixture buoyed by opening-day victories, setting the stage for a high-octane encounter between two sides eager to assert early dominance in the season.
City’s 4-0 demolition of Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend sent a strong message of intent after a campaign to forget, when they finished third and also went trophyless.
When asked if his team have got their fear factor back, Guardiola said: “I don’t know. We have played one game. I like a lot of the things I am seeing day-to-day in the training.
“I would like to be a magician and know what is going to happen but I don’t know.”
The Spaniard then warned that it would not be an easy game against Tottenham.
“Spurs have been a tough opponent for us but this is a new season and what happened in the past is in the past and there’s nothing we can do,” he added.
“Last season (4-0 defeat) came after an international break and a poor run of results and the dynamic wasn’t good. But it is a new season with new vibes.”
The visit of Spurs is indeed a painful reminder of City’s fall from grace last season as Tottenham ran riot with a 4-0 victory at the Etihad in November, in the midst of a run of one win in 13 games for Guardiola’s men.
The City boss said his squad has been infused with “fresh energy” after new signings Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri impressed at Molineux.
Reijnders and Cherki both scored, while Norwegian hotshot Erling Haaland – who netted 34 goals across all competitions last season – claimed a brace.
But a tougher test lies in wait against City’s bogey team of recent years. Spurs have lost only one of their last four league visits to the Etihad and scored at least twice on every occasion.
Injuries to Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho could also test City’s depth early on.
“It’s too early to know (how they have changed) but I have no doubt that Thomas Frank will do an incredible job at a big, big club, just like he did at Brentford,” Guardiola said of his opposite number.
“He is a top-class manager and he offers a different alternative to how they can play.”
New Spurs boss Frank has already shown his ability to adapt in very nearly masterminding a Uefa Super Cup victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain before a late collapse.
His team recovered well, and Tottenham’s Premier League campaign also got off to a flier with a 3-0 win over newly promoted Burnley, with Brazilian striker Richarlison grabbing a brace.
Spurs, aiming to erase the memory of their dismal 17th placing last season under Ange Postecoglou, have shown early signs of revival under Frank’s progressive tactics.
However, they will still face a stern test at the Etihad against a revitalised City side despite their good record.
“I think we just played the first game and scored three goals, so I think that was pretty promising,” said Frank.
“(Mohammed) Kudus has that spark and creativity. I think Mathys Tel can play in different positions.
“Dom (Solanke) and Richy can score goals and Brennan (Johnson) is our deep runner. We have variations.
“Right now he (Richarlison) is my starting nine. He scored two top goals.”
On the sidelines, City defender Ruben Dias has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the club until 2029, City announced on Aug 22.
The 28-year-old Portuguese centre-back has lifted 10 trophies, including a historic treble in 2023, since he arrived from Benfica in 2020.
“I’m so proud to represent this great club. City are where I want to be – at the top of the sport, competing for trophies,” said Dias, who has made 223 appearances for City.
“The club’s ambition aligns perfectly with mine and as a footballer there is nothing better than that.
“My job now is to be the best I can be for the duration of this contract, so that I can play my part in helping us challenge for more silverware.” REUTERS
