Pep Guardiola sends message to Julian Alvarez: I hope he finds happiness
Pep Guardiola has not ruled out signing a replacement for Julian Alvarez after sanctioning the World Cup winner’s attempt to find “happiness” away from Manchester City.
Alvarez is close to completing a move to Atletico Madrid in a deal worth over £81million in total, with an initial fee of 75 million euro and 20m in add-ons amounting to a record sale for City.
It represents a significant profit on a player signed from River Plate in his native Argentina for £14m and underlines Guardiola’s willingness to let unhappy players leave.
“I want to say my gratitude to Julian,” Guardiola said ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley.
Julian Alvarez and Rodri hold the Premier League trophy
Julian Alvarez, left, is set to leave Manchester City and join Atletico Madrid (Martin Rickett/PA)
“His two years here we won everything together and his contribution has been massive, whether being part of the starting XI or not.
“He’s incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but like I said many times for many players, he wants to leave and have a new challenge.
“Atletico is a top club in Spain and Europe and when they suggested to me that he wanted to leave, imagine he stays here if he wants to leave?
“He played a lot last season and in some moments with Erling (Haaland) but I understand in some important moments he thought he was going to play.
“He said he wants a new challenge and it is what he has to do. I don’t like to tell players what they have to do. Contracts are nice but they can be broken. If they are not happy, why should they be there?
“If they think happiness is around the corner, go and take a look. Both clubs are happy with the agreement, I look forward to see him back to say bye to all of us.
“It was a joy to work with him, I learnt a lot from him and hopefully he can find what he was looking for.”
Asked if a replacement for Alvarez might be bought before the end of the transfer window on August 30, Guardiola added: “I don’t know yet. We talk every day and see what happens. It could happen but it could not happen.”
Guardiola admits he is trying not to think too much about a 48-week season which includes an expanded 36-team Champions League and the Club World Cup, but insists he will be taking the Community Shield seriously.
“It is important, it’s a final against United but a part of it is to try to refine ourselves, step by step after a break for most of the players,” he said.
“Seeing how the young players behave on the big stage in a good game and we go for it.
“All the players came back and the England players and Rodri will come back next week. Don’t think about the schedule. Think about the next training session and step by step, otherwise it’s ‘Oh my god what is going to happen?’”
Manchester United and Manchester City will butt heads once more in the Community Shield on Saturday.
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Manchester United vs Manchester City predictions
Here we go again. Less than four weeks on from England’s defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the new domestic season is upon us.
The 2024/25 Premier League campaign gets under way next weekend, before which Manchester United and Manchester City will renew hostilities in the Community Shield, the traditional curtain-raiser to an English football season.
Manchester City are taking part in this match because they are the reigning Premier League champions, as has been the case for four years on the bounce now.
Manchester United qualified for the event thanks to a 2-1 victory over City in the final of the FA Cup. It was a hugely surprising win back in May – but a thoroughly deserved one.
By all accounts it also saved Erik ten Hag’s job. The Dutchman was on the brink after United finished eighth in the Premier League. Yet he masterminded that FA Cup final triumph and earned himself a new contract on the back of it.
Most members of the Old Trafford faithful were happy with the decision. Ten Hag always retained the faith of matchgoing fans. It is notable, however, that United have completely overhauled the manager’s coaching staff, with Ruud van Nistelrooy among the arrivals.
Will it be enough to get United back into the top-four race? Only time will tell, but we will get our first proper glimpse at the team this weekend.
What of the champions? It has been a relatively quiet summer at the Etihad Stadium so far, with Savinho arriving and Julian Alvarez departing. City, for good reason, are favourites to win the Premier League title, but they will be pushed hard by Arsenal.
The main question mark is whether the same group of players has the hunger and appetite to win a fifth consecutive championship. It must be said, though, that that has not been an issue up to now.
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Manchester United vs Manchester City betting tips. 18+ GambleAware.org – Please play responsibly.
Manchester United vs Manchester City betting tips. 18+ GambleAware.org – Please play responsibly.
Manchester United vs Manchester City betting tips
Manchester City can avenge their loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final this weekend.
Manchester City to win – 4/7 (Midnite)
Manchester City have been a near-permanent fixture in the Community Shield over the last few years. This will be their sixth appearance in the last seven seasons.
Given City’s dominance of the Premier League of late, it may come as a surprise to learn that their Community Shield record is pretty mediocre.
Victorious in 2018 and 2019, City have been beaten in each of their last three outings in the curtain-raiser, going down to Leicester City, Liverpool and Arsenal in three seasons on the bounce. That will give Manchester United some optimism heading into the weekend.
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On this occasion, though, we think Manchester City – the superior side all-round – will get the job done.
Motivation can sometimes be in short supply in what is in effect a glorified friendly, but the City players will be keen to avenge the FA Cup final defeat and the fans are always desperate to get one over on their local rivals.
Under 2.5 goals – 13/8 (Midnite)
The winners of the Community Shield tend to argue it is a real trophy, whereas the losers are inclined to dismiss its importance.
Whatever one’s view, it is usually clear that the sides involved are still fine-tuning for the start of the Premier League season. No one aims to peak for the Community Shield.
When teams are not at full tilt, defences often get the better of attacks. That could be the case here.
Of the last seven editions of this match, six have featured under 2.5 goals. Manchester City were involved in five of those encounters.
Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United’s go-to striker last season, is out injured, while City will be without Phil Foden among others. Those absences could contribute to a low-scoring affair.
Erling Haaland to score first – 23/10 (Midnite)
Erling Haaland won the Premier League Golden Boot last season after scoring 27 goals as Manchester City became the first team in English football history to win four titles in a row.
Even then, the Norway international was not quite at his best. Haaland suffered a dip in form at one point and even found himself out of the team on occasion.
Opposition sides should not get their hopes up regarding a sustained drop-off. Haaland will almost certainly be back to his best this season.
Unlike many other top-end Premier League players, Haaland had the summer off as Norway failed to qualify for the European Championship.
He will be fresh and raring to go, starting with the Community Shield. With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva supplying the ammunition, Haaland should be able to breach United’s backline.
📺 How to watch Manchester United vs Manchester City
Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England.
Date and time: Saturday 10th August, 3pm.
How to watch: ITV1.
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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