European Leagues

Don’t write Man City out of PL title – Pep warns major rivals

Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City’s rivals that it would be a mistake to write them off in the Premier League title race.

City are back in action against Everton on Wednesday after returning from Saudi Arabia where they won the Club World Cup, their fifth trophy of 2023.

They’ve only won one of their last six league games, slipping to fifth in the table, but Guardiola suggested it would be foolish to doubt a team which has won the title in five of the last six years.

“This is the business,” Guardiola said. “When you don’t win you are nothing, zero. As much as you win they want you to fail more than ever. But what we have won, the titles, is unbelievable.

“In the moment you don’t win there are going to be doubts but that is what is nice. That is OK. Doubt again. We’ll see what happens. We played quite similar to the best levels we have played these past eight years. But we don’t win so it’s a crisis, a disaster.”

After lifting the Club World Cup in Jeddah, Guardiola said he had “closed a chapter” at City after winning every trophy available in his seven-and-a-half years at the club.

The 52-year-old has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2025 and insists he’s still motivated to win more silverware before he departs. Winning the title this season would make it a record fourth in a row.

“We try it again,” Guardiola said. “The players teach us and teach me and we try to drive them. The greatest athletes forget as quickly as possible the success. Around the corner is another competition and you have to try it again. The satisfaction of what we have done will remain but we have to do it again.'”

Premier League

Gary Lineker, Micah Richards advise caution over potential João Félix move to Aston Villa

Football pundits Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have cautioned Aston Villa against pursuing João Félix from Chelsea, despite the club’s interest in the Portuguese playmaker.

Aston Villa are keen to bring in Félix during the January transfer window following the departure of forward Jhon Durán, who is set to join Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Félix, who has struggled for regular starts under manager Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, has started just three Premier League matches since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer.

However, Lineker and Richards are skeptical about the fit between the former Barcelona star and Villa’s playing style under Unai Emery.

On The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker remarked, “That is a funny one because he is a player who moved for a massive price tag when he was really young to Atlético Madrid.

“There is no question he has a lot of ability, but he has never managed to secure a regular starting place anywhere, so I don’t know what Aston Villa would see in him.”

Richards added, “That is the thing. Everyone wants a marquee signing, and getting a player of that stature by name to Villa Park would be amazing.

“They just have to be careful. What makes Villa so good is how they press, and when Watkins is out of the team, you’ve got Durán, and behind him, you’ve got Morgan Rogers. The one thing all those players have is a high work rate, intensity, and a strong press.

“If you bring in a flair player, you do need options, but you risk moving away from what got them to where they are now—competing in the Champions League and the Premier League.”

Premier League

David Luiz highlights Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández as standout Chelsea players

Former Chelsea defender David Luiz has praised Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández as standout players at Chelsea. Luiz singled out Caicedo for his powerful presence on the pitch, noting the midfielder’s resilience after a rocky start.

“I love a lot of players at Chelsea, but in particular, Caicedo. He has some amazing qualities, he is powerful,” Luiz said, adding that the Ecuadorian has shown great character by continuing to fight and showcase his skill.

Luiz also commended Enzo Fernández, calling him a world-class talent and a player who thrives in a team with a solid collective performance.

“Enzo is fantastic, and at Chelsea, he has many examples to follow to continue to improve,” Luiz added.

The 37-year-old spent most of his Premier League career at Chelsea, later having a stint at London rivals Arsenal.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Walcott: Arsenal can win the Champions League if they improve key areas

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has expressed belief that the Gunners can clinch the UEFA Champions League title this season, but only if they address two key areas.

Arsenal, who are second in the Premier League with 47 points from 23 games, finished third in their Champions League group with 19 points. Walcott told the BBC that the team needs to develop a stronger winning mentality and a more free-flowing style of play.

He also highlighted the need for a star striker to increase their goal output, saying, “If they want to win the Champions League, they need to get those numbers a lot higher.”

With improvements in these areas, Walcott believes Arsenal could be contenders for Europe’s most prestigious trophy.