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Pep Guardiola challenges Man City to win back-to-back Champions League titles
Pep Guardiola challenges Man City to win back-to-back Champions League titles
Pep Guardiola has challenged his Manchester City side to achieve something special and win back-to-back Champions League titles. The treble winners begin the defence of their European crown as they host Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. City finally put years of near-misses behind them to win the competition for the first time last season but, while Guardiola is proud of their achievements, he feels their mission is not yet over. The City manager said at a press conference: “I’d like to say that for our club to win the Champions League is incredible – the first time in our history – but, in perspective, how many teams have won the Champions League once? “A lot have won two, three, four, five. In perspective, we did nothing special. It’s just one. “Let’s go. Let’s try to win tomorrow against a team so aggressive, so fast up front.” Guardiola is viewing the challenge as nothing different to past seasons, although he accepts the pressure of trying to defend the trophy will be easier than when trying to win it for the first time. “It’s most difficult to win the first one,” he said. “But every season we start the competition in the first game with the target to win the first game, then the group stage, then try to win the Champions League. Nothing changes from before. “The same for Red Star tomorrow. It depends on our performance and our level. “We’re incredibly happy to defend this crown but this competition doesn’t allow you mistakes. “But always we were so strong at home, nine points from nine. When that happens you can win just one game away and you qualify. Tomorrow is the first step.” City reached the European summit, and capped a glorious treble, when they beat Inter Milan 1-0 in the final in Istanbul in June. Yet the club have not sat back and dwelt on their success, adding the UEFA Super Cup and starting the new Premier League campaign with five successive wins. Guardiola admits he has not even watched back the final, which was won with a single goal from Rodri. He said: “People say we won it and it’s done. It’s not done. They’re happy, we’re happy. Every time we come here, people take pictures with the four trophies. “That makes us so happy, you cannot deny, but if I wanted to live for the memories I wouldn’t be here. I’d be at home or on a beach. “I didn’t watch the game, no. Not at all. The competition gives us a new challenge so let’s at least try – and I don’t have any doubt we will try.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Conor Murray: Ireland squad in ‘unbelievable nick’ ahead of South Africa clash Eddie Jones says Australia ‘under the pump’ heading into crunch Wales showdown Scotland step up preparations ahead of second World Cup match with Tonga
2023-09-18 22:24
Man City vs Inter line-ups: Team news ahead of Champions League final
Man City vs Inter line-ups: Team news ahead of Champions League final
Manchester City face Inter Milan in the Champions League final tonight, with both teams hoping to aid the biggest trophy of all in club football to their respective objectives already attained this term. Pep Guardiola’s side have completed the domestic double with a Premier League title and the FA Cup already in the bag, following their recent Wembley win over rivals Man United. Now, though, they go looking for the last and most historic part of the campaign, looking to finish the treble. As for Inter, they beat Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final to land their first silverware of the season, while they secured third place in Serie A to ensure a return to this competition next term. All eyes will be on whether boss Simone Inzaghi opts for former City striker Edin Dzeko in the lineup or brings in on-loan Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku - while City are hoping Kyle Walker recovers to full fitness. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match. When is the Champions League final? Man City play Inter Milan on Saturday 10 June. The match kicks off at 8pm BST in the Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul. How can I watch it? The match will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate, and can be streamed on the BT Sport app and desktop website. BT have also made it free for viewers to watch, on the BT Sport YouTube channel. What is the team news? Kyle Walker has been hampered in preparations for the final by a muscle injury, but he has vowed to be back fit and pending any late setbacks, he should be included in the squad. There are no other injury issues for Pep Guardiola to worry about. Milan Skriniar is back in training for Inter Milan after an injury, though it’s doubtful he’ll earn a place in the starting back three, with Simone Inzaghi’s plans already set. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Joaquin Correa are both hoping to be passed fit for the final too, with the latter probably having least chance after an injury in the Coppa Italia final. Predicted lineups MCI - Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Stones, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish, Haaland INT - Onana, Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Calhanoglu, Brozovic, Barella, Dimarco, Martinez, Dzeko Odds City 11/21 Draw 39/10 Inter 6/1 Prediction It’s a huge task for the Serie A side to stop this City juggernaut and it seems they’ll finally get their hands on the trophy which has thus far eluded them. Man City 2-0 Inter Milan. Read More One last wrong to right? Man City stand on the brink of complicated history The trick that made Erling Haaland the ultimate finisher — in more ways than one The rise, fall and rise again of Inter Milan’s Andre Onana
2023-06-10 16:47
Love match at Wimbledon for power couple Tsitsipas and Badosa
Love match at Wimbledon for power couple Tsitsipas and Badosa
Move over Posh and Becks, forget "Brangelina" or "Kimye", there's a new power couple in town in the shape of Wimbledon lovebirds...
2023-07-04 19:48
MLB World Series full schedule for 2023 postseason
MLB World Series full schedule for 2023 postseason
The MLB World Series is here! Find out when the Fall Classic will start and prepare for a month-long journey filled with excitement, drama, and emotions as teams battle for the championship.
2023-09-27 00:50
WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 live results and highlights
WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 live results and highlights
Looking for live results and highlights from Survivor Series: WarGames 2023? We've got you covered.
2023-11-26 08:22
Head ACC official: Ball don't lie, Miami fumble was the right call
Head ACC official: Ball don't lie, Miami fumble was the right call
The head of ACC officials, Alberto Riveron, ruled in favor of the questionable fumble call that resulted in Georgia Tech stealing a game from Miami in conference play. Was this the right decision in the end?
2023-10-13 04:24
Rivals have no answer as Red Bull dominate British Grand Prix opening practice
Rivals have no answer as Red Bull dominate British Grand Prix opening practice
Max Verstappen outpaced his team-mate Sergio Perez as the Red Bull pair scored a predictable one-two in Friday's opening practice for...
2023-07-07 21:15
Colin Cowherd mentions the late Dwayne Haskins in a shameful Super Bowl segment
Colin Cowherd mentions the late Dwayne Haskins in a shameful Super Bowl segment
Colin Cowherd actually mentioned the late Dwayne Haskins as a former first-round quarterback who cannot win a Super Bowl...Where Colin was wrong...It is only Tuesday, Aug. 8, and we have just come across the worst segment national sports punditry will bequeath to us for the entire month. FS1...
2023-08-09 02:48
How the Dallas Cowboys Built the Most Valuable Franchise in Sports
How the Dallas Cowboys Built the Most Valuable Franchise in Sports
It’s almost too on the nose. One powerful, controversial, larger-than-life dad. One sister, two brothers and a globally
2023-09-27 21:48
South Africa seek to avoid Rugby World Cup flag, anthem bans
South Africa seek to avoid Rugby World Cup flag, anthem bans
South Africa will this week announce plans to defuse a row over non-compliance with anti-doping regulations that could see the rugby team barred from flying their flag in this weekend's World Cup quarter-final against...
2023-10-09 22:19
India wins gold in Asian Games cricket after rain stops play in final with Afghanistan
India wins gold in Asian Games cricket after rain stops play in final with Afghanistan
India has picked up the gold medal in men’s cricket at the Asian Games after the final against Afghanistan was halted by rain
2023-10-07 18:58
'AGT' Season 18: Who is Muhamed Kahrimanovic? Legendary ‘Hammerhand’ from Bosnia shattered 68 baseball bats in a minute
'AGT' Season 18: Who is Muhamed Kahrimanovic? Legendary ‘Hammerhand’ from Bosnia shattered 68 baseball bats in a minute
Muhamed Kahrimanovic, nicknamed 'Hammerhand', rose to international acclaim for his strength and will be displaying his skill in Season 18 of 'AGT'
2023-06-07 06:20