EPL News: He’s like my son – Manchester City Coach confirms star player
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said that England international, John Stones, is like ‘his son’
Stones was one of the first players Guardiola signed for Manchester City when he arrived in 2016.
Stones joined from Everton and has since then gone from strength to strength, delivering consistent performances over the past few years.
Guardiola said the Englishman is one of the player he understands so well and has a strong relationship with.
“John looks like he was my son. I know his body language and everything about him. He’s one of the most adorable professionals.
“The only reason he wasn’t in was because Ruben and Manu were in incredible form,” he said (via Mirror).
Stones has indeed been a crucial part of this successful era at Manchester City.
Erling Haaland is reportedly interested in joining Real Madrid, and Manchester City are already considering replacements for the striker
Erling Haaland is the highest-paid footballer in England
Erling Haaland is the highest-paid footballer in England
Manchester City are reportedly eyeing up a swoop for Viktor Gyokeres, as they prepare for life after Erling Haaland. The 24-year-old striker, who joined the Premier League champions from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has been a revelation at the Etihad Stadium, scoring an impressive 101 goals in 109 appearances.
Haaland has also helped Pep Guardiola’s side lift two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup. But, with Real Madrid showing interest and Sky Sports reporting that the Norway international is keen on a move to Spain, Manchester City may need to look elsewhere.
It’s suggested that Haaland could make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2026, with his €150million (£125m) release clause set to expire in 2027. Despite Manchester City’s efforts to tie him down to a new deal, it appears their attempts have been in vain.
As such, Gyokeres, who has been in fine form since joining Sporting from Coventry last year, netting 55 goals in 62 games, is being touted as a potential replacement. The Mirror and Sky Sports state that the Premier League champions are already in talks with the Arsenal target’s entourage.
Interestingly, Sporting’s current director of football is set to join Manchester City at the end of the season. Hugo Viana will take over from Txiki Begiristain at the Etihad Stadium, who has held the role for 12 years.
“Manchester City can confirm that Txiki Begiristain will step away from his full-time role as Director of Football at the end of the 2024/25 season,” read a club statement. “After a successful 12-year stint at the Etihad Stadium, Txiki will step down from his current role following Manchester City’s participation in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
“He will be succeeded by Hugo Viana of Sporting CP. Viana will officially take over in the summer of 2025, but will work closely with Txiki in the months leading up to ensure a seamless transition. We look forward to honouring Txiki’s remarkable contribution to Manchester City at the end of the season.”
Viana, who made 39 Premier League appearances for Newcastle during his playing career, has been instrumental behind the scenes at Sporting during their recent success under highly-regarded manager Ruben Amorim.
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