Pep Guardiola makes Newcastle United claim after Manchester City blip

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Pep Guardiola has always been a fan of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.

Manchester City have had some incredibly difficult games against Newcastle United in recent years, particularly at St James’ Park. For the Magpies, it has sadly been a different story at the Etihad Stadium.

But Eddie Howe has found a way to match Pep Guardiola, with the Newcastle United manager always receiving praise from the former Barcelona boss.

Guardiola thinks Newcastle are one of the toughest opponents ever since Eddie Howe got the job, and that is a testament to his tactical ability as a coach.

Howe has got Newcastle playing in the right way, and that is why he has been able to turn the Magpies from relegation contenders to Champions League challengers.

Pep Guardiola says Newcastle United play ‘modern football’

In the eyes of Guardiola, that is because Newcastle United are one of the clubs that play ‘modern football’.

That is what Guardiola told TNT Sports ahead of Man City’s Champions League game against PSG, which ended in a 4-2 defeat for the Premier League champions.

The Man City boss was asked about his side showing fight to bounce back from their terrible form, but took the opportunity to praise other clubs like Newcastle United and Bournemouth.

“We didn’t fight properly because we were not in the rhythm that we should play,” he said.

“Today modern football is the way that Bournemouth play, that Newcastle play, like Brighton play – Liverpool have always been like that. Like we were, this is modern football.

“Modern football is not positional and being there. You have to rise to the rhythm.”

When Newcastle United next play against Manchester City

Guardiola continues to praise Howe’s Newcastle United, and it will not be long until they face each other yet again.

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park in September, with the reverse fixture set to take place on February 15th.

Newcastle face Southampton and Fulham in the Premier League, followed by cup clashes with Arsenal and Birmingham City. After those four games, the Magpies head to the Etihad to face Man City.

It will be a real challenge for Newcastle, who have only won one game at the Etihad since Man City started playing there. That came in the League Cup, with Newcastle never securing a Premier League victory there.