The two Premier League managers embraced each other at the end of a thrilling battle at St James’ Park.
Pep Guardiola has revealed what he told Eddie Howe at the last whistle of Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
The former Barcelona manager does not generally spend much time talking to opposing managers in the immediate aftermath of a game, but he was observed having a lengthy meeting with Howe before explaining what was said in the postgame news conference.
Asked about the encounter, Guardiola said: “I said to him how I admire him and for the way they approached the game, in high-pressing, so direct. They have a lot of legs with [Jacob] Murphy, [Anthony] Gordon, [Harvey] Barnes – we controlled them really, really well in the most part of the game, especially when we play so, so high.
“Bruno [Guimaraes], and Joelinton, the physicality, [Sandro] Tonali, and after the central defenders so high. It’s such a difficult team. “Newcastle last season struggled a little bit for just one reason; a lot of injuries. Otherwise, that team competes really well.”
Guardiola went on to compliment Howe further and said: “Eddie Howe is a manager for many years, a lot of times, and never creates a problem in press conferences, always polite for opponents, like we try to do as a Club. “I admit that we would like to win, we draw, they deserve it as well, and we both take the point.”
Reflecting on the game, Guardiola added: “They had moments in first ten minutes and after their goal, but in general we played really good.
“We made bad decisions at the last minute to make it 2-0. It is always difficult here with their physicality and they defend so deep. We had chances but [Nick] Pope was brilliant so we take the point.
“When we scored we played better. We make a mistake and after they play better. But then we take the game again and had chances to win it.”
Copyright © 2023 LearnersRoom
