Pep Guardiola makes ‘extraordinary’ Newcastle United claim ahead of Man City clash

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has labelled Newcastle United an “extraordinary team” ahead of the two sides meeting at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 8pm).

Both clubs face each other having won their opening Premier League games last weekend. The Magpies beat Aston Villa 5-1, while City won 3-0 at Burnley before travelling to Athens to lift the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday following a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Sevilla.

In the first meeting between the two teams last campaign, the Magpies held Guardiola’s men to an entertaining 3-3 draw at St James’ Park before City recorded a 2-0 victory on home turf.

“We play against an extraordinary team that continue to perform really well since they bought players perfect for the way they play,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference. The game against Aston Villa defined perfectly who they are.

“It’s a Champions League team. If you qualify for the Champions League it’s because you are a really good team. In the short time since they were taken over by Saudi Arabia, people had the feeling they are here to stay for a long time. Nobody believed it last season and looked at what happened.

“Eddie Howe has created a fantastic team for many reasons in transition, ball possession in the build-up and set pieces. It will be a massive test for us but we are prepared for that.”

United’s opening day win over Villa, courtesy of a brace from Alexander Isak and goals from Sandro Tonali, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes, fired them top of the Premier League table.

Asked if they can stay there, Guardiola replied: “If they handle the extra competitions this season, they can compete but it’s completely different when you go from playing one game a week to four. If they are able to handle it, of course they are contenders.”