LONDON • Pep Guardiola will become the first manager in 10 years to retain the Premier League title if City win their final two games, but an old nemesis, Leicester's Jamie Vardy, stands in his way today.
He remains the only player to have scored a hat-trick against a Guardiola-managed side in a 4-2 humiliation of City at the King Power Stadium in December 2016.
Since the 2011-12 campaign, only City striker Sergio Aguero has scored more goals against "Big Six" sides (44) than Vardy (34), who is in red-hot form with 11 strikes in 11 games. He has 18 league goals and is fifth in a chart topped by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (22).
With Vardy leading the line, even though the game will be played at City's Etihad stomping ground, Guardiola has every reason to be wary of "an incredible striker with his movement, finishing, fighting".
He highlighted the former England striker's raw pace as a danger, saying: "His career speaks for itself, not just the last few games, but (lately) he's scored every single game. He's done incredible in this league."
He has also been impressed by his opposite number Brendan Rodgers' influence since replacing Claude Puel in February.
He said: "Before, they were a counter-attack team but, now with Rodgers, they have another way to play and they can use that and control all parts of the game.
"In two months, his team are already playing the way he wants to play. Of course with incredible quality, with so fast players, honestly I've been really impressed.
"The players know it's an incredible task for us, it's already a final for us. Hopefully, the people can help us and we can do what we have to do and win the game."
He also warned his players that the Foxes would be on the prowl for a scalp, insisting he "cannot imagine the Leicester players will come here for their holidays".
The Spaniard added: "They have a chance to finish seventh, too. They will try to make a good game.
"Brendan and Rafa (Benitez) were in Liverpool, but they want to win. I cannot imagine being at former clubs and not wanting to win.
"They want to win so I don't have doubts about that. All players and managers when they are there want to do a good performance."
THE TIMES, LONDON
MAN CITY V LEICESTER
Singtel TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227, tomorrow, 3am
Harry Kane could be out for rest of the season, says Mauricio Pochettino Kane appeared to roll his left ankle in a coming-together with City's Fabian Delph and was replaced by Lucas Moura in the
Kane could be out for the season, says Pochettino - myKhel
Italian Side Inter Milan have completed a deal that will see Antonio Conte becomes their new manager, according to Fabrizio Romano.The former Chelsea boss has reportedly signed a three-year contract that will see him earn €12 million per season.
How Antonio Conte could affect Chelsea and - football.london
Japan captain Maya Yoshida warned his young teammates that they will need to handle the pressure that comes with being Asian Cup favourites as the four-time winners prepare to open their campaign against Turkmenistan on Wednesday.
Pressure comes with the territory warns Japan's Yoshida | New
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri (left) and Belgian forward Eden Hazard in a past match [Courtesy] Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri admitted it will be hard to deny Eden Hazard a move to Real Madrid this
pound sterling100m too cheap, but hard to keep hold of Hazard
WOLFSBURG, Germany (Reuters) - Germany's new-look team made a promising return to the international stage with a 1-1 draw against Serbia in a friendly on Wednesday, showing signs of improvement following a disastrous 2018. The Germans, knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage and relegated in
New-look Germany make promising start with Serbia draw
PSG coach Tuchel hits out at Neymar after fan attack. (AFP) — Thomas Tuchel yesterday blasted Neymar for hitting a fan who insulted Paris Saint-Germain players as they filed up to collect
It took 693 days but Tottenham finally returned "home" and in their state-of-the-art new digs, Spurs not only won but began a whole new era. be well worth the wait as Spurs usher in new era in
Tottenham's new stadium proves to be well worth the wait as
Football: MP & Silva's Singapore office in provisional
The Reds' 3-0 loss to Catalan giants in the Champions League will not impact their bid for the Premier League crown, says the man trying to stop them Jurgen Klopp's men were beaten 3-0 at Camp Nou
LIVE FC Bayern Munich - Liverpool - Champions League - 13
Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 9, 2019 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
Football: Liverpool back on top after 3-0 win over Bournemouth
Liverpool struck late through Divock Origi to move back top of the Premier League with a thrilling 3-2 win at Newcastle on Saturday and keep their hopes of a first title for 29 years alive but suffered a major scare after injury to Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool dig deep to return to top of Premier League
Giulia Gwinn's inspired strike was the difference as one of the favorites turned in a rather flat debut. Giulia Gwinn's goal helps Germany beat China to open FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 Home
0 comments:
Post a Comment