Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola has warned his Premier League rivals that ‘the season begins now’ as they return to motion in opposition to Newcastle on Saturday.
Metropolis have been poor final season by their very own excessive requirements, dropping 20 factors from the 12 months earlier than to complete third in a stuuttering marketing campaign.
Buut a summer time rebuild has seen them win 9 of their final 11 video games, and so they might minimize the hole on the high of the Premier League to a single level with victory at Newcastle.
With leaders Arsenal not taking part in till they host native rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, Metropolis can put the strain on.
“We’re in November, and in November on this league nothing is remaining,” Guardiola mentioned. “What occurs in February or March, watch out. However the season begins now.
“The primary begin is when the switch window is over in the summertime. And now once more when the worldwide breaks are over.
“Now till March we see one another each three days. Now the true season begins.
“You will need to be there and to reach on the finish of the season with an opportunity to struggle. Successful (in Newcastle) could be an vital step for us.”
100 up for Haaland?
Metropolis striker Erling Haaland goes into Saturday’s recreation on 99 Premier League targets from 108 appearances and may break Alan Shearer’s report of being the quickest to achieve a century – which at present stands at 124 video games.
Haaland rating 4 extra final week to assist Norway qualify for his or her first World Cup look since 1998. In all, Haaland scored 16 targets in eight video games throughout their qualifying marketing campaign.
“He’s unbelievable this season,” Guardiola mentioned. “He’s breaking all of the data, private and particular person data, Premier League data, data for Norway/
“I’m pleased for him, his nationwide workforce. I noticed that most of the squad for Norway weren’t even born the final time Norway have been within the World Cup.
“As a soccer participant, a world-class participant, he deserves to play a World Cup and stay the expertise. I’m so pleased for him.”
