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    Amazing picture of 15-year-old Pep Guardiola with Terry Venables goes viral after legendary manager’s death aged 80

    FOOTBALL fans were moved as an old picture of the late great Terry Venables and Pep Guardiola emerged.Former England manager Venables died this weekend at the age of 80 following a long illness and tributes poured from all around the world.
    A picture showing Terry Venables and a young Pep Guardiola has emerged
    Venables and Guardiola coexisted at Barcelona during the 1980sCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Guardiola was part of Barcelona’s La Masia academy when Venables managed the senior teamCredit: Getty
    People remembered El Tel with various blasts from the past and one of them had to do with his three-year stint as Barcelona manager.
    A photo went viral showing the Dagenham legend being hoisted up by Barca heroes Paco Clos and Migueli.
    That was when Venables led the Blaugrana to the 1986 European Cup Final by beating Goteborg in a dramatic semi-final second leg that saw him winning 5-4 on penalties after a 3-0 win at the Nou Camp.
    But what makes this pic so special is the fact that a 15-year-old Guardiola, who was then part of the famous La Masia academy, can be seen celebrating in awe of the Tottenham legend.
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    The Manchester City boss is a Barcelona legend himself as he started out at the club at the tender age of 13 and went on to spend 11 years in the senior squad, most of which saw him wear the armband.
    And Gary Neville believes the Spanish tactician learned a lot during Venables’ brief stint in Catalonia as he insists they both had a “very same capability”.
    Neville played under the ex-Leeds boss for England and was part of the team that made it to the Euro 1996 semi-finals.
    Neville tweeted: “When we hear people that play for Pep Guardiola now say that he can call the outcome of a game in training a few days before the match arrives, Terry Venables had that very same capability, he’d come through the Barcelona system.”
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    Venables didn’t win the European Cup in 1986 as Barcelona lost on penalties to Steaua Bucharest in the final.
    However, the former Crystal Palace boss won a domestic Cup that year and LaLiga the season before.
    Barcelona issued the following statement and reached out to his family: “FC Barcelona is deeply saddened of the death of Terry Venables, coach of Barca from 1984 to 1987. Our condolences go to his loved ones. Rest in peace.” More

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    Man City make transfer move for Argentinian wonderkid.. and promotion-chasing Leicester set to benefit from it

    PEP GUARDIOLA plans to sign Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco — then loan him out to his old pal Enzo Maresca at Leicester.Manchester City’s transfer team are closing in on a deal for the 19-year-old defender as they edge ahead of Brighton in the race to bring him to the Premier League.
    Manchester City are close to signing Valentin BarcoCredit: Getty
    But boss Guardiola’s idea is to farm out Barco to his former coaching sidekick Maresca once he is signed because they think the teenager needs the experience.
    It could be a massive boost for promotion-chasing Foxes if City can clinch the deal during January’s window.
    But even if Barco’s move is delayed until next season, Guardiola is still keen to send him to the Leicester ‘finishing school’ before using him at the Etihad.
    Barco has a fixed fee of around £10million but extra costs will make the deal worth up to £13m.
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    Guardiola is keen to land the Argentinian, who has shone at club level and was a stand-out in the recent Copa Libertadores final, when Boca lost 2-1 to Brazilians Fluminense in extra-time.
    Brighton hoped to win the chase after making the first serious bid for Barco but even they now fear they only have a 25 per cent chance.
    The Seagulls first tried to sign the defender this summer and went close to triggering his release clause.
    The Sussex outfit have signed a host of players from South America in recent years with great success.
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    Alexis Mac Allister was a star at the club until he was sold to Liverpool for £35m.
    Moises Caicedo also joined from South America and was eventually sold to Chelsea for a British record fee of £115m.
    While the likes of Facundo Buonanotte continue to impress when handed game time by manager Roberto De Zerbi.
    This season Barco has featured 31 times in all competitions.
    He has been used in various different positions including left-back, left-wing and even centre-midfield.
    Barco has managed to chip in with four assists and one goal.
    The goal was the first of his professional career as he bagged in the 4-0 win over Monagas in the Copa Libertadores. More

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    Pep Guardiola ‘walks out of interview’ with one-word answer after Man City boss asked what happened with Darwin Nunez

    PEP GUARDIOLA made a quick exit from an interview after being asked about Darwin Nunez.The Manchester City manager could only say one word when asked about a confrontation with the Liverpool striker.
    Pep Guardiola said one word when asked about his row with Darwin Nunez
    The two sides had just finished playing out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium when tempers flared.
    Guardiola and Nunez were involved in a spat on the touchline in which the Uruguayan had to be pulled away by Jurgen Klopp.
    They had shared a handshake before an exchange of words raised the temperature.
    However, Guardiola was in no mood to talk about the incident afterward.
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    When asked what happened, the Spaniard simply said: “Nothing.”
    Guardiola then walked out of the press conference before any more questions could be asked, according to talkSPORT.
    Klopp on the other hand offered more of an insight as he spoke about his role to keep the peace.
    The German claimed that he did not “understand a word” of what was said but put down the incident to “emotions”.
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    He said: “That’s the story of the world, huh?
    “A person who doesn’t understand a word trying to calm down two people.
    “It’s fine, it’s just emotions, nothing else.
    “Because love them both, I was probably the perfect person to do that.
    “But nothing spectacular. Emotions.”
    Erling Haaland fired Man City into the lead in the match before Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a late equaliser.
    The Liverpool star was also donning some unreleased Adidas Predator boots, hinting that he has changed sponsor.
    Haaland’s goal saw him become the fastest player in Premier League history to hit the 50-goal mark. More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold says Man City had game plan to stop HIM after Liverpool star’s late equaliser

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD reckons Manchester City had a game plan to foil him – only for the Liverpool right-back to rescue a late point.TAA even reckons Etihad playmaker Bernardo Silva was man-marking him as the second-placed Reds nicked a 1-1 draw at the Premier League leaders.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates his 80th-minute equaliserCredit: AP
    Alexander-Arnold had a big challenge combating Etihad flier Jeremy Doku and also feels Man City had special tactics to block himCredit: Rex
    The England star had a tough enough time at the other end trying to tame City’s new wing sensation Jeremy Doku.
    But he got forward to cancel out Erling Haaland’s first-half opener with a classy low drive on 80 minutes.
    Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports: “I think there was potentially a game plan to stop me from getting the ball in midfield, at least that’s what it felt like, especially in the first half.
    “A lot of man-marking – Bernardo was really close to me.”
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    The 25-year-old, who has revived his Three Lions’ career with new roles in midfield, then explained how Liverpool countered City’s tactics.
    He said: “It was about trying to get the ball in different ways, trying to pass the ball wider, get on the ball as much as possible.
    “It was not really a game for penetration through the middle, it was more round the side.”
    Alexander-Arnold also suggested the Reds gave City too much respect – and space – before the break.
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    He said: “I don’t think we played particularly well, first half particularly.
    “The formation and the way they set up really challenged us. They have a lot of bodies in there, difficult to play against.
    “But we regrouped at half-time and came out with a bit more of a game plan and to press them.
    “In the second half we definitely put that respect to one side and thought, ‘let’s go for it’.”
    And he was satisfied in the end, saying: “We haven’t had too many good results here –  a point is a good result.”
    Alexander-Arnold fires his leveller in the top-two clashCredit: Rex More

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    Pep Guardiola makes gesture at Man City fans with Etihad ‘unusually quiet’ for huge Liverpool clash

    MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola urged the home fans to make some noise during the crunch clash against Liverpool.City drew 1-1 against the Reds after Trent Alexander-Arnold cancelled out Erling Haaland’s 50th Premier League goal just 10 minutes before full-time.

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola didn’t seem too pleased with the atmosphere at the EtihadCredit: PA
    Guardiola urged Man City fans to make more noise against LiverpoolCredit: PA
    That wasn’t the kind of result Guardiola hoped for amid the Treble winners’ bid to defend the Prem title.
    But the Spanish tactician also seemed unhappy with the atmosphere at the Etihad.
    Guardiola turned to the home crowd at some point during the match “with his fingers in his ears”.
    That was because it was “unusually quiet” for a game as big as this between two Premier League title rivals.
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    Guardiola explained during his post-match interview with Sky Sports as he admitted he wanted “some more noise” from the home end.
    However, the Spaniard was very pleased with City’s “excellent performance” against Liverpool.
    The 52-year-old head coach was especially satisfied with how the Citizens defended against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    Guardiola told the BBC: “That was an excellent performance. I am really proud that after eight years we are still playing that way.
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    “We were really good in all departments and needed to be against an incredible team.
    “Maybe we missed the last pass a little bit but they defended really well.
    “To concede just two shots on target against Liverpool is a big compliment for the way we work.” More

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    Man City 1 Liverpool 1: Trent Alexander-Arnold equaliser sees Citizens drop points on title rivals after Haaland opener

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD frustrated Manchester City and their fans with a late equaliser.Moments after opening goalscorer Erling Haaland had gone close to doubling City’s lead, Alexander-Arnold swept home a Mo Salah pass to level the score.
    Liverpool rescued a point against Manchester CityCredit: AP
    Erling Haaland netted the opening goalCredit: Reuters
    Trent Alexander-Arnold netted an equaliser in the second halfCredit: Reuters

    The England star ran provocatively over to the City supporters and put his finger to his lips.
    They responded with fury and boss Pep Guardiola will also be annoyed not to have seen off their title rivals.
    Until that moment, it looked like Erling Haaland’s record-breaking strike was going to decide the game.
    The Norwegian’s 50th Premier League goal in his 48th appearance made him the quickest to that landmark, beating Andrew Cole’s record by a massive 17 games.
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    There was less between the two teams and Haaland’s was on course to be the difference.
    While fellow No 9 Darwin Nunez failed to turn some decent first-half openings into goals, City’s netfinder general made the most of his only opportunity.
    His goal was a case of third-time unlucky for Liverpool as they created their own problems with sloppiness at the back.
    After a dull opening, Alisson made things interesting by clearing straight to Phil Foden but the City star’s shot was straight back at the goalkeeper.
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    The Reds had done nothing going forward until suddenly Nunez had two chances in a minute. Ederson did well to tip over the header from Salah’s cross, but the Uruguayan should have done better when played in by Dominik Szoboszlai, finding himself crowded out after delaying his shot.
    But City were having the better of it.
    Curtis Jones put Alisson under pressure with a backpass and Haaland almost capitalised, before Jeremy Doku beat Alexander-Arnold only for the Reds to smuggle the cross behind.
    And then Alisson was punished for another poor bit of distribution, although he was badly let down by his defence as well.
    It was his 50th in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
    Nathan Ake collected Alisson’s sliced kick out of his hands and beat Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold way too easily before playing in Haaland.
    Joel Matip was caught on his heels and although the Liverpool ‘keeper got a hand on Haaland’s shot, he could not keep it out.
    City looked comfortable, except when Manuel Akanji’s pass was picked off by Szoboszlai. But after the Hungarian found Nunez, the striker could find only the side netting.
    City almost extended their lead before the break, but Alisson got down brilliantly to keep out Foden’s effort. Ederson did the same to stop Salah’s cross that was dummied by Szoboszlai.
    The defender was wearing new boots for the matchCredit: AP
    Liverpool came out for the second half with more zip and intent.
    Alexander-Arnold got forward more in the opening minutes than he had in the first 45.
    But the first chance fell to Julian Alvarez as City found themselves with a man over on the break. Doku picked out the World Cup winner with a cross but he sent his shot well over the bar.
    Diogo Jota picked up a knock that led to him being replaced by Luis Diaz, while Ryan Gravenberch replaced Jones.
    A look at the match stats
    Haaland spooned a half chance over the bar but the game was now end to end and the visitors sensed there was still plenty in it for them.
    Ruben Dias diverted a dangerous Szoboszlai cross behind for the latest in a series of Liverpool corners.
    Dias had the ball in the net himself only for referee Chris Kavanagh to signal a soft-looking foul on Alisson by Akanji.
    Nunez had another sight of goal, but Ederson saved easily enough at his near post before Haaland sent a header over the Liverpool bar.
    Liverpool player’s average positions against Man City
    Where Man City players were on average against Liverpool
    The Norwegian went closer when he diverted a Doku cross goalwards from close range, but Alisson blocked.
    And seconds later his team was level.
    There seemed little danger when Salah retrieved a crossfield pass by Diaz. But he laid it into Alexander-Arnold’s path and one touch and one shot later, it was arrowing into the far corner of Ederson’s net.
    City were given hope of a winner when eight minutes of added time were announced.
    But a blocked shot by Bernardo Silva was as close as they came until Haaland’s glancing header from an Alvarez corner drifted agonisingly wide. More

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    Pep Guardiola tipped to ‘completely change’ England squad with two uncapped goalkeepers if he succeeds Southgate

    PEP GUARDIOLA has been tipped to transform England’s squad if he became manager – starting by bringing in two uncapped keepers.Manchester City’s Treble-winning chief is rated the FA’s dream choice as successor, should current boss Gareth Southgate depart after the Euros.
    Jason Steele only became Brighton first-choice No 1 in January this yearCredit: Alamy
    Burnley’s summer recruit James Trafford has played 16 times for England U-21s but has yet to win a senior capCredit: Rex
    Pep Guardiola prefers keepers with excellent ball skills such as Man City’s EdersonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    And Guardiola would then be expected to re-shape England’s playing style – into the passing game he’s enjoyed so much success with at the Etihad, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
    Ex-Three Lions stopper Ben Foster believes that could mean call-ups for Brighton’s Jason Steele and Burnley new boy James Trafford.
    Both keepers are comfortable with the ball at their feet – like City’s Ederson.
    Steele, 31, has only been a Seagulls regular since January this year, with former No 1 Robert Sanchez later moving to Chelsea.
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    And Trafford, 21, is in his first Premier League season after switching from the Etihad to the newly-promoted Clarets in the summer.
    Ex-Manchester United and West Brom man Foster said on his Fozcast podcast: “I think if we had Pep Guardiola as England manager, we would win tournaments.
    “He could pick anybody. I think he could pick Steele at Brighton or Trafford at Burnley, genuinely. He would completely change it.”
    Southgate has stuck with Everton’s Jordan Pickford as first-choice keeper, with Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone the established back-ups.
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    But Foster, 40, added: “Have you seen the way Steele does it for Brighton, by the way? It’s outrageous.
    “That’s the style of play he wants to go with. That’s interesting, isn’t it? That is a can of worms.”
    The Mail claim Guardiola is England’s top pick as replacement if Southgate decides to bow out after next summer’s tournament. More

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    Man City missed out on inserting ‘Jadon Sancho clause’ into deal when they sold Cole Palmer to Chelsea for £42.5m

    MANCHESTER CITY did not insist on a sell-on clause in Cole Palmer’s transfer to Chelsea, according to reports.City cashed in twice on Jadon Sancho after selling him to Borussia Dortmund in 2017, and then seeing him move to rivals Manchester United four years later.
    Manchester City do not have a sell-on-clause on Cole PalmerCredit: Rex
    Pep Guardiola’s side pocketed over £10million after United paid a whopping £73m for Sancho in 2021.
    But there will be no such repeat of that if Chelsea are to sell Palmer in the future.
    According to The Daily Mail, City were happy to accept the £40m up front for Palmer, plus the £2.5m in potential add-ons.
    As an academy product, the sale can be listed as profit in City’s books.
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    And the deal was seen as good enough not to require further negotiation on a sell-on clause.
    City have reaped the benefit from other deals in the past, including when Spurs signed Pedro Porro from Sporting for £42million in January.
    They also had a 20 per cent clause on Romeo Lavia, who joined Chelsea this summer from Southampton for £58million.
    Chelsea were said to be pleasantly surprised that no clause was inserted in their deal for Palmer.
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    Especially after seeing the new England star make a fantastic start to life at Stamford Bridge, making the fee look like a bargain.
    Palmer has established himself as a regular in Mauricio Pochettino’s first XI, scoring four times in his six league starts for the side.
    The 21-year-old earned his first call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England side this international break and made his debut against Malta.
    Palmer is expected to start again for Chelsea in tomorrow’s clash against Newcastle as Chelsea look to continue their good form following on from a difficult start to the season. More