Pep Guardiola is thrilled that his side has shown they are up for the fight this season. Manchester City showed their elite mentality and determination to come from behind to beat Newcastle United 3-2 at St.James Park. The win helped the champions maintain the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool. City will now head to their midseason break in a good position to launch a charge at a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Speaking post-game the City manager felt his team was alive as they chase a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title. He told the media: “Today we were fortunate to win when in the past we were not. Saying that, I had the feeling we still want to do it. The way we behaved against Huddersfield – Huddersfield – the team is alive. Why should we not try it again? We won three times in a row, five in the last six, so why not?”
Pep Guardiola also had special praise for Kevin De Bruyne. The midfielder put in an inspirational display off the bench to lead Manchester City to a vital win. He scored one and set up the winner for Osacr Bobb. Guardiola said: “He’s a special player, he’s a legend who is so beloved for our people.”
The City manager added on De Bruyne: “We have players who play in the pockets, but the vision and quality in the final third, we need Kevin. What can I say, he has been here for many years, and we have been together for eight years. What can I say?”
Manchester City will now head to their midseason break in good form and well-positioned for the second half of the season. Pep Guardiola will be hoping his team can pick up where they left off when they return to action against Tottenham in the fourth round of the FA Cup in just under two weeks time.
