Tag: Manchester City

Guardiola admits Rodri is “suffering” as hamstring setback delays full Man City return

Rodri
December 2025

Pep Guardiola says Rodri is “suffering” as a troublesome hamstring injury hampers his comeback following a nine-month layoff with an ACL problem. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has managed just one late substitute appearance since sustaining the latest issue in early October. Guardiola stressed he will resist the temptation to rush Rodri back, citing the risk of another long absence if they push too hard. He highlighted how much City miss their treble-winning midfield anchor, but insisted the club must protect him until his body fully adapts post-ACL.

Haaland smashes 100-goal record in City’s 5-4 thriller at Fulham

Erling Haaland
December 2025

Erling Haaland became the fastest player in history to reach 100 Premier League goals, hitting the opener in Manchester City’s wild 5-4 win at Fulham to bring up his century in just 111 matches and end a rare mini-drought in front of goal. After failing to score in three straight games, Haaland rattled the post early before finally converting a Jeremy Doku cut-back in the 17th minute, maintaining his perfect scoring record against Fulham and strengthening a platform from which he could chase the division’s all time marks.

Spurs join Liverpool and Man City in £65m Semenyo transfer chase

Antoine Semenyo
December 2025

Northern interest in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is intensifying, with Tottenham joining Liverpool and Manchester City in eyeing a January move and closely studying the £65 million release clause that would make the in form Ghana international one of the window’s priciest deals. Semenyo has produced six goals and three assists in 12 league games, justifying the price and fitting the explosive wide profile Spurs failed to secure last summer. Tottenham are now more prepared to pay, though uncertainty over under fire coach Thomas Frank clouds their pursuit.

Kompany shrugs off Man City talk after Hoeness succession claim

Vincent Kompany
December 2025

Vincent Kompany has moved to cool speculation over one day replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, insisting his focus is entirely on Bayern Munich despite Uli Hoeness revealing Guardiola told the club hierarchy the Belgian could eventually manage at the Etihad. Hoeness claimed Bayern consulted Guardiola before hiring Kompany, with Pep endorsing him as a “fantastic coach” and possible future City boss. Kompany responded by stressing he “has zero thoughts” about other teams and is fully consumed by delivering success for Bayern now.

Guardiola unmoved as Donnarumma racks up bookings amid law-change debate

Gianluigi Donnarumma
December 2025

City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma already has four yellow cards in ten league matches, mostly for dissent and time wasting, placing him on the brink of a suspension and intensifying criticism over perceived tactical “injury” stoppages used to create unofficial timeouts. Guardiola says the 26 year old is “adult enough” to manage his behaviour, while Daniel Farke’s complaints about a stoppage in City’s win over Leeds have fed into IFAB talks on goalkeeper treatment, including proposals to remove an outfield player or block touchline instructions during such breaks.

Trafford pushes for Man City exit after Burnley promotion heroics

James Trafford
December 2025

Goalkeeper James Trafford is reportedly seeking a move away from Manchester City just months after rejoining, frustrated by a lack of minutes despite starring for Burnley last season, when he helped the Clarets win promotion with a record-equalling 30 clean sheets and miserly defence. City activated a matching clause to beat Newcastle to his signature after Burnley’s promotion, but the former England Under-21 keeper has since struggled to play, fuelling doubts over his future and prompting interest from clubs still searching for a reliable long-term number one.

Premier League set for clampdown on ‘timeout’ keeper injuries

IFAB lawmakers
December 2025

Lawmakers are exploring changes to stop goalkeepers going down for treatment to create de-facto timeouts and tactical huddles, closing a loophole that has grown since outfield players were forced to leave the pitch briefly after physio interventions. Proposals include forcing a nominated outfield player to leave the field for 30 seconds whenever a goalkeeper receives treatment, or banning players from approaching the touchline during such stoppages, with the “outfield player off” option gathering support after Farke’s criticism of Manchester City’s use of the tactic.

Guardiola explains heated post match exchange with Haaland

Pep Guardiola
November 2025

Haaland endured a rare goalless ninety minutes in City’s dramatic 3–2 win over Leeds, leaving his chase for a 100th Premier League goal on hold and leading to a visibly tense touchline conversation with Pep Guardiola at full time, watched closely by cameras. City surrendered a two goal lead before Phil Foden’s stoppage time winner rescued the points and lifted them to second. Haaland, top scorer with fourteen in thirteen, was frustrated by missed chances and the delayed milestone, while Guardiola later said the animated exchange was simply him demanding higher standards and refocusing his striker on the team’s victory, before both men ended the discussion smiling and embracing.

Manchester City join race for Forest star Elliot Anderson

Elliot Anderson
November 2025

Manchester City have moved into pole position in a three-way battle with Manchester United and Liverpool for Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who is now valued privately at around £100m after emerging as one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders. City scouts and decision-makers rate his versatility as a number 6, 8 or advanced midfielder and view him as a long-term piece to ease Rodri’s burden. Forest do not plan to sell in January, but accept that a major post-World Cup bid next summer could force their hand.

Guardiola rotation shocks as City field near cup style side vs Leverkusen

Pep Guardiola
November 2025

Manchester City supporters were stunned to see Guardiola make ten changes for the Champions League meeting with Leverkusen, leaving Haaland on the bench and retaining only Nico Gonzalez from the weekend defeat at Newcastle, prompting jokes that the XI looked like a Carabao Cup lineup. James Trafford was recalled for his first start in a month and Omar Marmoush tasked with leading the line, turning the tie into a major audition for fringe players. After the 2-1 loss at Newcastle, the heavy rotation raised questions about rhythm, risk and Guardiola’s priorities.

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