Pep Guardiola answers Man City sacking fears 72 hours before Newcastle United clash
Pep Guardiola is not fearing the sack at Manchester City - with further potential stick coming from Newcastle United supporters this weekend.
Eddie Howe’s men travel to the Etihad aiming to rectify a rotten run of form at Eastlands in recent years. Not since September 2000 have the Magpies earned a Premier League win away at Man City.
Maine Road was the venue that day, with Newcastle’s only triumph at the Etihad coming in the Carabao Cup 11 years ago. Just one victory in 21 attempts has given Toon fans a wave of negative memories - but Saturday could prove different.
City are now at their relentless best in 2024-25 as hopes of a fifth consecutive Premier League title have all but diminished. Ironically, they now find themselves in a race for the Champions League with Newcastle.
This weekend’s fixture is sandwiched in between a double-header with Real Madrid - a fact the Magpies will view as an advantage. Speaking to The Independent before City’s clash with Los Blancos, Guardiola dismissed suggestions he is fearing for his future.
“I don’t know if a doctor is asked to (answer) the question, or if an architect is asked the question, or if a teacher is asked the question,” he said at a pre-game press conference. “I know that in all the stadiums, they tell me that I’m going to be kicked out the next day, (sacked) in the morning, when we’re losing.
“But no, I don’t have this feeling (that I am going to be sacked). I’m obviously here, and I still have the position, because of what we’ve won in recent years. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t be here. Of course, it would be good to continue for the club, for the prestige to win this competition (Champions League).”