Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the atmosphere at the Etihad after their 2-1 win over Newcastle
Pep Guardiola wants a repeat performance at Manchester City for the rest of the season – from the fans. Two goals from Nico O’Reilly earned a big win over Newcastle in the Premier League title race and Guardiola wants the Etihad as alive as it was on Saturday night for the rest of their run-in.
Recent matches in various competitions at the Etihad have seen empty seats at matches, with nine games in seven weeks proving too much for some supporters amid various issues around the matchday. But it was a full house for the fourth out of five confirmed meetings with Newcastle this season and the fans played their part in the Blues moving to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the table.
“Always I say to the players [that] we have to play for the fans – I have incredible respect for them,” said Guardiola. “Sometimes they cannot come for the price, for many reasons, because we play in midweek for example at 8pm, and the day after the kids have to be at school, the father and mother has to go to work.
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“And today, tomorrow is off, tomorrow is Sunday, so it’s perfect, and look at the opponent. We need that, I encourage them to come, we try to do our best, we don’t want to disappoint. Today the connection and vibe with our fans was the best of the season. We have five games left [at home in the Premier League], we need that vibe.”
Meanwhile Guardiola started his press conference by congratulating James Milner after the former City player set a new standard in the league. “Today he made an incredible milestone to become the player with most appearances in the Premier League – it’s incredible, hats off!” he said.
“This is consistency, this is love for the game. I know he will become an incredible top golf player, but what he has done is unbelievable. So on behalf of Man City, because he played here, James, congratulations.”
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