‘The pride is there…it has always been like that in this stadium’ Pep Guardiola ahead of St James’ Park

The Pep Guardiola Newcastle United press conference has taken place.

The Manchester City boss speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s match.

Am 8pm kick-off at St James’ Park.

Tomorrow night seeing the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Newcastle United and Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola declaring: “Since Eddie Howe took over [at Newcastle United], look how many games won in the last minutes. The pride is there, the crowd pushes. It has always been like that in this stadium (St James’ Park).”

Arsenal play Chelsea in the other semi-final.

Pep Guardiola going on to say: “But if we had played Arsenal it would be the same difficulty.”

The Manchester City boss going on to talk about what is important to him.

Pep Guardiola adding: “It is not about winning or not winning trophies, it is how the team grows up and plays. Last year we did not deserve to win more than one trophy. We are here to make the team play better and get satisfaction for making a good performance. We want the team to play good and the next game do things a little better. That is the target and always that has been the target.”

At least half a dozen Man City players expected to remain out through injury, namely Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb and Savinho  (Omar Marmoush is also missing, still with his country at the AFCON).

Another player who is very unlikely to be considered for a start on Tuesday night is Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The left-back played the full AFCON quarter-final on Saturday in Morocco, as Algeria were knocked out by Nigeria. The Man City defender then seeing his return further delayed.

Pep Guardiola revealing: “Rayan has come back from AFCON and missed a connection, so he was a little bit late. We will see how he feels but we will not take risks for players who could get injured again.”

Like Newcastle United, Manchester City have had a very busy schedule of matches and haven’t been done any favours by the broadcasters, they have their derby against Man U brought forward for a 12.30pm kick-off, whilst for once United done a bit of a favour with Eddie Howe’s side seeing theirs put back to a 2pm kick-off on Sunday away at Wolves.