Manchester City

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has said the club want to keep Pep Guardiola as manager for "years to come." 

Since Guardiola's arrival in 2016, City have been the dominant force in English football, winning back-to-back Premier League titles over the last couple of campaigns. They won an unprecedented domestic treble in the 2018-19 term.

Guardiola has been linked with a possible departure of late, though, with former club Bayern Munich mentioned following the recent sacking of Niko Kovac. However, speaking to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Football Espana), Al-Mubarak said City do not want to lose their coach:

"We can speak about his managerial accomplishments for hours. But I think as a person, as an individual, as a friend, he's been a core part of what we've accomplished here over the last three years. 

"He's very committed. We're committed to him. You've seen his interview a couple of days ago. We have a great relationship. We have a great environment here.

"The people around him, the team we have in place today, the relationships I have with them, this is really an environment that's conducive to success for both him and everyone involved in this organisation. So I'm very satisfied with his commitment and our commitment to him and I'm looking forward to the continuity of this for years to come."

Here is more of what Al Mubarak said recently about City and their progress under the incumbent boss:

"What we've accomplished over the last couple of years is remarkable."

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak discusses the sale of a stake which values City at $5billion, the future of Pep Guardiola, 'leader' Raheem Sterling, and more...https://t.co/hFjk7VvPJj pic.twitter.com/I6tXTILDMg

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 27, 2019

The City chairman added Guardiola has been an "incredible asset" to the club.

The manager's contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire at the end of next season, and Guardiola has said he is keen to stay in Manchester:

"If they want me I'll stay here. If they don't sack me I'll stay."

Despite rumours about his future, Pep Guardiola remains committed to the Champions League project. pic.twitter.com/SwLwVbYo0r

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2019

It's easy to see why Guardiola wants to stay at City, as he currently has one of the best squads in the world and is regularly challenging for major honours.

He will still feel as though there is more to come from the team. Not only do they have a nine-point gap to make up on Premier League leaders Liverpool this season, City are also still waiting for their first UEFA Champions League triumph.

Sam Lee of The Athletic thinks if Guardiola stays, the team will require some revamping in the summer:

That’s partly inevitable, with Bravo and Silva leaving, maybe Fernandinho and Sane. Add in the need for two centre-backs, a left-back (sell a current one) and the central striker they were looking for in April/May, things are likely to look very different next August anyway

— Sam Lee (@SamLee) November 24, 2019

As such, there are challenges for the City manager to occupy himself with, despite the dominance they've enjoyed lately. For a coach like Guardiola, preserving that intensity in his work feels imperative.

With that in mind, coupled with the desire of key figures in the City hierarchy to keep hold of their manager, it would be a surprise if Guardiola was to be lured by any potential advance from Bayern at the end of the campaign.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said it's "time to focus on the Premier League" after his side drew 1-1 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last 16.

One point against Shakhtar was enough to ensure City will top Group C regardless of the result when they travel to Dinamo Zagreb in their last pool fixture on December 11.  

The Citizens remain third in the Premier League, however, and trail leaders Liverpool by nine points.

Guardiola told reporters after Tuesday's game: "It is time to focus on the Premier League. We'll see which conditions we arrive with (in the last 16)—it's about the details. Now we have one competition already done, and now our focus is the league until we arrive in the cups. The target was to qualify, and we have done it.

City are five points clear in Group C after Manor Solomon scored in the 69th minute to clinch a share of the spoils for Shakhtar following Ilkay Gundogan's breakthrough at the Etihad Stadium, via BT Sport: 

The defending Premier League champions have now won just one of their last four games in all competitions, including draws in each of their last two European outings (1-1 away to Atalanta on Nov. 6).

Guardiola and Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp recently each gave speeches at the Football Writers' Association Awards. There, the Catalan joked he'd be happy to swap his Premier League title for Klopp's Champions League crown, via Hayters TV:

"I would like to win his trophy (Champions League) and I'm sure he would like to win mine (Premier League)... Maybe we can swap?" 🧐🏆

Pep Guardiola was in top form at an FWA awards dinner last night 😂 pic.twitter.com/K5ToKDwxxW

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 25, 2019

Cracking Europe's premier competition remains a major focus for the Manchester titans, whose run to the semi-finals in 2015-16 remains their only venture past the last eight.

Gundogan also spoke to reporters following Tuesday's game and conceded that City's performance levels thus far haven't been enough to lead England's top flight:

"Unfortunately we got a draw which we have to accept, but we qualify as group winners which is the most important thing. We knew this game would be tough.

"It is not what we are aiming for, but this is the situation you have to deal with. We have dropped unnecessary points in a few games already, and to remain at the top, you are not allowed to.

"We need to be there if Liverpool slip and we are through in the Champions League, but there is still plenty of work to improve. Not results, but more the way we play."

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently sat down with Sky Sports' Adam Craig and applauded Guardiola's impact in advancing the club's prospects since he arrived in 2016:

"What we've accomplished over the last couple of years is remarkable."

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak discusses the sale of a stake which values City at $5billion, the future of Pep Guardiola, 'leader' Raheem Sterling, and more...https://t.co/hFjk7VvPJj pic.twitter.com/I6tXTILDMg

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 27, 2019

The former Barcelona tactician achieved domestic domination with a treble in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup last term. City sit third in the table and will soon kick off their FA Cup defence, while they've also advanced to this season's Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Oxford United next month.

But establishing a foothold as serial contenders for Europe's top-tier tournament remains the ultimate goal, competing with continental giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus on a grander scale.

Guardiola can afford to prioritise his Premier League plans for the time being, at least, and City return to domestic action when they visit Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Saturday.

Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk played to a 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium in the UEFA Champions League. 

Ilkay Gundogan put City ahead in the 56th minute after Gabriel Jesus drew in the goalkeeper to set up an easy finish.

Manor Solomon slammed home an equalizer for Shakhtar in the 69th minute.

While the result will be disappointing, one point was enough for City to win Group C and advance to the round of 16 with Dinamo Zagreb falling 2-0 to Atalanta.

Sergio Aguero's 11 goals across the Premier League and Champions League are second on Manchester City behind Raheem Sterling (12). The Argentine striker missed Tuesday's match after suffering a thigh injury in Saturday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, with Jesus taking his place in the starting XI. 

Aguero's absence appeared to hinder City's attack in the opening half against Shakhtar. The team had five total shots—equal to its opponent—and two shots on goal.

Shakhtar had the best scoring chance of the opening frame, thanks in large part to a mistake by Ederson. The City goalkeeper ran off his spot to clear away a long ball but whiffed, which allowed Tete an open goal. Fernandinho intervened to keep the score level.

In general, a 0-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the proceedings:

HT #ChampionsLeague #ManCity 0 (0.20 xG)#Shakhtar 0 (0.75 xG)

A very poor attacking display from City so far, generating just 0.20 xG! Shakhtar have been the most threatening side #MCISHA pic.twitter.com/gZDVFYiEVy

— Sporting Life FC (@SportingLifeFC) November 26, 2019

Gundogan's opener eased some of the anxiety that had been building in Etihad Stadium the longer City went scoreless. Rather than triggering an attacking flurry, though, the goal did little to alter the balance of momentum.

Solomon's equalizer wasn't a complete surprise because City's defending has been a problem all season. The City players were largely tracking Dodo's run down the right and surrounding Junior Moraes in the 18-yard box, completely missing Solomon surging toward goal.

1-1, Solomon scores for Shakhtar on the counter-attack. It's now six games since City kept a clean sheet.

— Jonathan Smith (@jonnysmiffy) November 26, 2019

Manchester City showed a little more urgency to grab a winner but couldn't break down Shakhtar's defense. The Ukrainian champions also took any opportunity they could to slow the game down and allow valuable time to run off the clock.

The draw wasn't down to blind luck for Shakhtar. They were solid at both ends of the pitch and might have walked away as winners had Tete capitalized on his golden opportunity in the first half.

As underwhelming as the outcome might be for City manager Pep Guardiola, his squad achieved its objective by winning the group with one match to go.

          

What's Next?

City close out the group stage Dec. 11 away to Dinamo Zagreb. Shakhtar host Atalanta as they hope to finish second in the group.

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling is reportedly in talks to his extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium, which would make him the highest earner at the club.

Sky Sports News reported that City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain and Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada held "positive" initial negotiations with Sterling's representatives on Monday.

The forward's current £275,000-per-week deal was signed in November 2018 and isn't scheduled to expire until June 2023, but it's suggested City's new offer would raise his wages to more than £350,000 per week.

That's the salary City's current top earner, Kevin De Bruyne, takes home after he agreed an extension until 2023 in January 2018.

The Citizens are said to be relaxed over negotiations considering Sterling has more than three years remaining on his current terms, but it's possible his form has encouraged the club to lock him down.

Sky Sports News referred to recent reports that Real Madrid—perhaps one of the few teams that could tempt Sterling and realistically fund a deal—were showing an interest.

Sterling, 24, has grown into his talismanic role at the Etihad and often plays a crucial part for City, such as when he scored twice in a 6-0 thrashing of Chelsea in February:

⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️@sterling7 4'@aguerosergiokun 13'@aguerosergiokun 19'@IlkayGuendogan 25'@aguerosergiokun 56' (P)@sterling7 80'

The Last Time we faced Chelsea at the Etihad...

🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/4qXkKeHNy1

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 22, 2019

The speedster is the top scorer in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side this term, having netted 14 times in 18 appearances. Together with his five assists, Sterling is averaging a little more than one direct goal involvement per game for City.

That form has translated to the international stage, too. Sterling recently demonstrated his senior status in the England team when he calmly set up Marcus Rashford for a nerve-settling strike during a recent 4-0 win over Kosovo:

🦁🦁🦁 Rashford & Sterling to lead England to #EURO2020 glory? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/EMmevM4npg

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) November 21, 2019

One of only three English regulars in the City XI—Kyle Walker and John Stones also feature prominently—it's no surprise the club is particularly keen to tie down a homegrown player as important as Sterling.

It's not just on the field where Sterling—who turns 25 in December—has an impact. His work campaigning for equality and racism awareness is well-known, and the player recently earned a BBC Sports Personality of the Year nomination:

Your @BBCSPOTY 2019 contenders have been revealed!

🌟 Dina Asher-Smith
🌟 Lewis Hamilton
🌟 Katarina Johnson-Thompson
🌟 Alun Wyn Jones
🌟 Raheem Sterling
🌟 Ben Stokes

Details on how to vote 👉 https://t.co/Pfc7GpwsbB#SPOTY pic.twitter.com/JwNrpS8FpA

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 25, 2019

Guardiola has a contract with City until 2021, but Sterling's future with the club isn't said to depend on whether the Catalan coach extends his stay at the Etihad.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Monday he wants to keep striker Gabriel Jesus at the club for "as long as possible."

Guardiola spoke to reporters about the 22-year-old's role at the club alongside fellow striker Sergio Aguero and how he has a bright future ahead of him for club and country:

"The situation he has with Sergio, he knew that before he extended the contract. My advice to him and we told him 'if you are not sure about that position, you don't have to extend the contract, you can go other places'.

"He said 'no, I want to stay here'. He has his future is in his hands. He's young, he's going to play for many years, he's the No.9 for Brazil with [Roberto] Firmino.

"I think they are incredibly complementary. Of course, Sergio will retire sooner than Gabriel and I hope he will stay longer, but, at the end, the desire for the players will decide. We'll do everything to keep him here as long as possible."

The Brazil international moved to the Etihad Stadium from Palmeiras in 2017 but has had to play second fiddle to Aguero during his time with the Premier League club.

WhoScored.com compared how the two strikers have fared this season in the top flight:

HEAD-TO-HEAD: 🇧🇷 Gabriel Jesus 🆚 Sergio Aguero 🇦🇷

Manchester City teammates are set to clash when Brazil take on Argentina this evening -- Who would you rather have in your XI?

Full match preview -- https://t.co/uDmImeSxja pic.twitter.com/NQsVEGMFtH

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) November 15, 2019

Aguero has once again been a key man for Manchester City and has 13 goals in 16 appearances all competitions for the Premier League champions this season, while Jesus has managed just five goals in the same number of outings for the Citizens.

Jesus has said he has learned a lot from his team-mate:

Gabriel Jesus on learning from @aguerosergiokun: "I have learned a lot from Sergio. He is a great guy and a top player. I have to keep doing that."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 25, 2019

Gabriel Jesus: "I want to improve my football. Train good, working hard. I am at a big club, with big players and a big manager."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 25, 2019

The Brazilian now has the chance to impress in the first team, as Guardiola has ruled the 31-year-old Aguero out for several weeks with a thigh injury, per BBC Sport.

Jesus is now expected to lead the line in some important fixtures. Manchester City play Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday and also face Manchester United in the Premier League on December 7.

There will be pressure on Jesus to deliver goals in Aguero's absence. Guardiola will be hoping he can help them remain top of Group C and improve upon their third-place standing in the league table.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Monday that Sergio Aguero will be out for a "few games" because of injury, meaning he may miss the upcoming showdown with Manchester United.

The striker hobbled out of Saturday's 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League, and ahead of City's clash with Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League, Guardiola provided an update:

PEP: (@aguerosergiokun will be out for) a few games. I don’t know exactly.

He has a tendon problem in front - will be a few games out.

We have no other injuries. @21LVA had cramp but he’s okay.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 25, 2019

Guardiola added that he still hasn't been given full confirmation on the nature of Aguero's issue.

"I don't know exactly. He has a problem in front—will be a few games out," he continued, per Mark Critchley of The Independent. "We will miss Sergio. We have had some problems with injuries, but we will wait for him, and meanwhile we have Gabriel [Jesus] and Raheem [Sterling] who can play in that position. We will live without him for a while."

After the win over Chelsea, Guardiola was not positive about Aguero's prognosis:

It doesn't sound good for Sergio Aguero's injury... 🤕#MOTD pic.twitter.com/7fmFmQIPAB

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 23, 2019

In the Premier League, City are in third place and a whopping nine points back on leaders Liverpool.

The 31-year-old Aguero has netted nine times for City this season and remains one of the most deadly finishers in the game. It's likely Jesus will be given a prolonged run, and there will be big shoes for the Brazilian to fill.

He spoke about competing with Aguero and learning from him when he addressed the media alongside Guardiola on Monday: 

Gabriel Jesus: "When I decided to come to City, I knew it would be hard because we had Sergio. I think I have a chance to play with Pep and other top players here. I came to a top club to learn and enjoy."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 25, 2019

Gabriel Jesus on learning from @aguerosergiokun: "I have learned a lot from Sergio. He is a great guy and a top player. I have to keep doing that."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 25, 2019

This season, Jesus has scored three Premier League goals in 10 appearances, though he's only started three games in the top flight in 2019-20. While he does add more fluidity to the attack and is more mobile than Aguero, his goalscoring instincts are not as sharp yet.

Yet another party has had its say on the Bernardo Silva racism incident, with Portugal's parliament rejecting a motion to repudiate the English Football Association's decision to hand the Manchester City man a one-match ban and £50,000 fine.

According to Sport Witness, Silva will also have to take an education course, and the result of the FA's investigation appeared to bring an end to the incident.

Portugal's CDS-PP (the People's Party) had other ideas, however, per Jornal de Noticias (h/t Sport Witness). They reportedly presented a two-part motion to parliament, stating Silva had "no racist intention" and wanting a "vote of solidarity."

The first part of the motion was unanimously approved by all parties, but the vote of solidarity proved less popular, and ultimately saw the motion rejected. Per the report, Silva was relieved it did, allowing the winger to finally move on from the incident.

The FA charged Silva with misconduct after he likened team-mate Benjamin Mendy to a Spanish cartoon figure many consider racist, a charge that did not go down well in Portugal. Per Elliott Jackson of the Manchester Evening News, former club Benfica went out of their way to defend the 25-year-old, even though he only played a few matches for their senior team before leaving for AS Monaco in 2014.

Per Mark Critchley of the Independent, manager Pep Guardiola defended his player after the club decided not to appeal the FA's decision:

"In that situation, the most important thing is we will miss him. He has been accused of something he is not. 

"He will be careful to use social media. If this can help to do a better society, OK. I am pretty sure Bernardo accept this punishment. But he is not like he has been accused. They don’t know him."

Silva sat out Saturday's 3-1 win over Chelsea and will be eligible to play again when City visit Newcastle United. He'll likely return to the team before then in the UEFA Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero suffered a muscle injury in the 2-1 Premier League win over Chelsea  on Saturday.

According to Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, Pep Guardiola said the injury was "not good" after the forward limped off after 77 minutes.

Guardiola gave an update on Aguero after the game:

PEP (On injuries) 💬 We will see (about @aguerosergiokun) tomorrow. It doesn't look good (for Aguero) It looks muscular.

For Rodri and @21LVA it's more tiredness and cramps.

Rodri was out for a month and games like today are so demanding.

🔵 #MCICHE #ManCity

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 23, 2019

Aguero was a constant threat against the Blues and hit the woodwork before his night ended prematurely.

The 31-year-old is the club's all-time leading scorer and has been the main man in attack since his arrival in 2011. Even with the talented Gabriel Jesus waiting in the wings, Aguero has kept his spot in the starting XI thanks to his steady supply of goals.

While he's one of the smaller strikers in the Premier League, his movement and vision set him apart. He's a natural finisher who always seems to be in the right place and is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola's possession-based style of play.

Jesus is Aguero's natural replacement, but the Brazil international lacks the experience and raw scoring output his older team-mate brings to the table.

City have become used to dealing with his frequent absences over the years. The Argentina international has a lengthy injury history and had two spells on the sidelines last season.

Pep Guardiola has defended Bernardo Silva after he received a one-match ban and £50,000 fine for a racist tweet directed at team-mate Benjamin Mendy.

In the tweet, posted in September and subsequently deleted, Silva compared a photo of Mendy as a child to a picture of the mascot for Spanish confectionery brand Conguitos: 

Understand that the Football Association are looking into this tweet allegedly posted by Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva earlier today. Tweet was later deleted #mcfc pic.twitter.com/xxVfMaU6Xw

— Jacob Steinberg 🎗️ (@JacobSteinberg) September 22, 2019

The Football Association handed out a punishment that will mean Silva will miss City's Saturday clash with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League:

Bernardo Silva banned for one match by the FA for his racially offensive tweet to team-mate Mendy pic.twitter.com/HSwKnOnDEx

— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) November 13, 2019

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Guardiola backed the Portuguese playmaker and said he will be missed, per Simon Bajkowski and Liam Corless of the Manchester Evening News:

"In that situation, the less important thing is we are going to miss him. He has been accused for something he is not. If they want to pick up someone to show something it was the right person. He will be careful to use social media. ... I'm pretty sure Bernardo accepts this punishment."

City will be looking to bounce back against the in-form Blues after losing to Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield before the international break.

The defeat left the defending champions lying fourth in the Premier League table, nine points back from the Reds.

Chelsea are one point ahead of City after six Premier League wins on the bounce.

Former Blues manager Jose Mourinho was appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager on Wednesday, replacing Mauricio Pochettino.

Guardiola backed his old foe to succeed in north London:

Guardiola on Mourinho: Welcome back. He is an incredible manager. I am sure he will do a good job pic.twitter.com/8SQZ93keIw

— Andy Hampson (@andyhampson) November 22, 2019

He also said goalkeeper Ederson will be back in action for Saturday's meeting with Chelsea:

Pep confirms Ederson available for @ManCity tomorrow.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 22, 2019

The Brazilian was injured for the Liverpool game, and Claudio Bravo had to deputise between the posts.  

Manchester City are reportedly ready to reward Raheem Sterling's outstanding recent form with a new contract. 

According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, although Sterling only agreed a contract extension until 2023 at the Etihad Stadium a year ago, the club want to get him tied down to fresh terms.

"He is now widely viewed as one of the world's best and Europe's top clubs—including Real Madrid and Barcelona—have made admiring glances recently with a view to making a move for Sterling as early as next summer," wrote Mokbel.

It was recently reported by Sky Sports that Real Madrid were ready to offer City a sum of £70 million, as well as Wales forward Gareth Bale, in exchange for the 24-year-old.

Sterling currently earns a weekly salary of £300,000 at City. A new contract would likely make Sterling among the best-paid players on the planet as a result, although few would argue with him being in that bracket after a stellar year for the Manchester club.

Sterling was crucial to City winning a historic domestic treble last term. In total, the forward netted 25 times in all competitions, including a brilliant brace in the 6-0 trouncing of Watford in the FA Cup final:

After achieving so much in the 2018-19 season, there's been no sense of Sterling resting on his laurels and has started the current campaign in mesmerising form.

Operating on the left flank, he's been crucial to Pep Guardiola's side. From that position, the England international can drive infield, commit opposition defenders and create chances for his team-mates. 

Per Squawka Football, the 24-year-old has also remained potent in front of goal, netting 14 times already in the campaign:

Raheem Sterling has scored more goals than any Premier League player across all competitions in 2019/20 (14) and has been directly involved in more #EURO2020 qualifying goals (13) than any other England player.

A big call. https://t.co/lIjrLLovqg

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 11, 2019

Sterling has also been a leading voice in the fight against racism and discrimination in the sport. Writer Zito Madu praised the way in which the forward has conducted himself when handling such sensitive issues:

Sterling, from what we know has always been a lovely person. But the racism of the British tabloids and fans, the coordinated attacks when he wanted to leave Liverpool, all made him seem like the worst human being alive. Now he's the light of the NT and hero to kids. Hilarious.

— Zito (@_Zeets) September 11, 2019

With three-and-a-half years left on his current contract at City, there's no real concern for the Premier League champions when it comes to Sterling's future. At the moment, they appear in an ideal position to reject almost any offer they receive for the player, and it's easy to see why they would.

Should the England international commit to a new deal, City boss Pep Guardiola will be hopeful his star man can kick on again.