Man City will host Newcastle on Wednesday evening
Last update: 07/07/20 14:33
Lionel Messi has been linked with a departure from Barcelona
Pep Guardiola declined to discuss rumors linking Manchester City with Lionel Messi, saying he hopes the Argentine star will remain in Barcelona.
Recent reports have raised doubts about Messi’s six-time world player of the year of the future in Barcelona.
The head of the city Guardiola, however, is not willing to discuss any transfer problems until the end of the current campaign.
“I won’t speak until the end of the season,” said Guardiola. “My wish is for Messi to stay in Barcelona.”
02:59 FREE TO WATCH: highlights of Southampton’s win over Manchester City
Guardiola says he has to take responsibility for Manchester City’s Premier League results this season.
City slipped to the ninth league defeat of the season in Southampton on Sunday, which is more than they lost in the previous two seasons combined.
When asked what he missed in key games, Guardiola said: “Our consistency, not the conversion of our gameplan and the way we played in results.
Brighton vs Man City
July 11, 2020, 7:45 pm
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“In this area, you have to win. When you lose nine games you can’t win the Premier League, perhaps years ago, but not now. Champions must always score over 90 points.
“I have not been able to solve this problem that we have had from the beginning. I remember the game against Tottenham at home (in August). They had two shots on goal, we had more than 20 and we drew.
“Southampton was quite similar and I haven’t been able to change this dynamic in many games.”
Manchester City’s focus has shifted to a possible triple of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League
City’s priorities this season are now the Champions League and the FA Cup, but Guardiola says they must avoid the costly mistakes that hindered them in the Premier League.
“When we can play as we can and we are consistent in both boxes, we will have a great opportunity to face,” said Guardiola ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League game at home in Newcastle.
“But if it happens as in Southampton, in Tottenham away and at home, in Norwich away, games in which we have lost points, we will be out. Arsenal will be in the final and Madrid will pass.
“We hope we can be lucky to convert what we produce. I have no doubt that the team will be there to compete.”
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