Pep Guardiola now makes Newcastle United claim after Manchester City blip

Pep Guardiola has consistently expressed admiration for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, highlighting the challenges his Manchester City side has faced against them in recent years.

While St. James’ Park has been a venue for tightly contested battles, the story has been starkly different for Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, where victories have remained elusive in Premier League fixtures. Despite this, Guardiola’s praise underscores Howe’s impact on transforming Newcastle into a formidable side.

Under Eddie Howe’s leadership, Newcastle United has evolved from a team battling relegation to genuine contenders for a Champions League spot. Guardiola has openly acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Newcastle since Howe took charge, emphasizing the tactical acumen of the Magpies’ manager.

This evolution reflects Howe’s ability to implement a style of play that aligns with what Guardiola considers “modern football,” a concept that Guardiola frequently champions as essential in today’s game.

In Guardiola’s view, modern football extends beyond traditional positional play. Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of a Champions League clash against PSG, Guardiola elaborated on the rhythm and intensity that define the current era of football.

He included Newcastle United among the select group of clubs that exemplify this style, praising their approach alongside teams like Bournemouth, Brighton, and Liverpool. Guardiola described modern football as requiring a constant rise in rhythm, where teams must go beyond merely holding positions and instead embrace dynamic, high-energy play.

Guardiola’s remarks serve as a testament to Newcastle’s progress under Howe, who has instilled a philosophy that mirrors these principles. The Magpies’ ability to compete against top-tier teams stems from their commitment to this approach, which combines tactical discipline with relentless energy. This shift has not only elevated their standing in the Premier League but has also earned them respect from one of football’s most revered managers.

The mutual respect between Guardiola and Howe adds an intriguing layer to the encounters between their respective teams. When Newcastle last faced Manchester City, the two sides played to a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park in September.

The result highlighted Newcastle’s ability to match City’s intensity, showcasing the progress they’ve made under Howe’s guidance. Such performances reinforce Guardiola’s view of Newcastle as one of the toughest opponents in the league.

The upcoming clash between Newcastle and Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on February 15 promises to be another captivating encounter. For Newcastle, the challenge remains significant, as they have only managed a single victory at the Etihad, achieved in a League Cup match. A Premier League win at City’s fortress has yet to materialize, making their next visit an opportunity to break new ground.

Before their trip to the Etihad, Newcastle will face Southampton and Fulham in Premier League action, followed by cup matches against Arsenal and Birmingham City. This challenging run of fixtures will test Howe’s squad depth and their ability to maintain the high standards that have become synonymous with modern football under his stewardship.

Guardiola’s continued praise for Howe and Newcastle underscores the growing recognition of their transformation. It is a testament to Howe’s managerial prowess that a coach of Guardiola’s stature regards Newcastle as a model for modern football.

This recognition not only validates Newcastle’s progress but also sets the stage for them to continue competing at the highest level.

As the Magpies prepare for their next encounter with Manchester City, the stakes remain high. Guardiola’s acknowledgment of Newcastle’s modern approach is a reminder of how far they’ve come and the potential they hold to challenge even the most dominant teams. For Newcastle, the journey under Howe is a testament to what can be achieved with a clear vision, tactical innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.