Guardiola Names Newcastle as the Premier League Team That Will Make Man City ‘Tremble’ This Season
After eight seasons at the helm of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola is no stranger to the fierce competition that defines the Premier League.
As he embarks on his ninth campaign, the Catalan manager is acutely aware that no fixture can be taken lightly, even for a team as dominant as his.
Despite their recent success, including a Premier League title secured with 91 points last season, Guardiola acknowledges that the unpredictable nature of the league means that every match is a potential challenge.
Last season, City stumbled against teams like Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa—teams they were expected to beat comfortably.
These slip-ups serve as reminders that even the most formidable sides can be caught off guard. The Premier League’s competitiveness ensures that a single dropped point can have significant ramifications, potentially deciding the fate of the title.
In a recent interview with Men In Blazers, Guardiola candidly discussed the teams he believes will pose the biggest threats to City’s title defense.
“Arsenal, ten to ten, for sure. Liverpool, we will see because the transition after Jurgen [Klopp] always is not easy but pre-season for Arne Slot has been amazing,” Guardiola remarked, acknowledging the usual suspects.
However, it was his comments about Newcastle United that truly stood out. Guardiola admitted that facing Eddie Howe’s side, particularly at St. James’ Park, will be a daunting task for Manchester City this season.
“And the other teams, you have to see. You ask me now, Tottenham will be there, for the way they play, Newcastle will be back because it’s one game-a-week, they don’t have European competition. And the energy that they play with, the physicality that they play with, with just one game a week, we’ll be trembling. We will be trembling when we play against them,” he confessed.
The acknowledgment of Newcastle’s threat is not without reason. Over the past two seasons, City has faced significant challenges when playing at St. James’ Park.
In the 2022/2023 season, Guardiola’s men had to claw their way back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw. Last season, it took late heroics from Kevin De Bruyne and Oscar Bobb to overturn a 2-1 scoreline and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
St. James’ Park is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, and Newcastle’s passionate fanbase only adds to the intensity of the contest.
The Magpies’ high-energy, physical style of play makes them a formidable opponent, particularly at home. Guardiola’s comments underscore the respect he holds for Howe’s side, especially given their impressive performances in recent seasons.
Newcastle’s 4-1 thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last season is a testament to their prowess on home turf.
As Guardiola rightly points out, Newcastle’s absence from European competition this season could give them an edge in the Premier League.
With fewer fixtures to manage, the Magpies will be well-rested and focused, a luxury that many of their rivals do not have. For Manchester City, this means that any encounter with Newcastle, especially away from home, will be a test of their mettle.
In a league where the margin for error is razor-thin, Guardiola knows that even a team of City’s caliber must approach every game with caution.
As the season progresses, the prospect of facing Newcastle United at St. James’ Park looms large on the horizon—a challenge that could define City’s title defense.
Guardiola Names Newcastle as the Premier League Team That Will Make Man City ‘Tremble’ This Season