🚨 Anthony Gordon on what Raphinha told him during the game against Sevilla:
🗣️ “I’ve played for a lot of teams and I’ve never really had that from a leader before. He’s a great leader and whoever made the decision to give him the armband made the right one.
To be honest, I wasn’t really in the game like I wanted to be. My touches weren’t coming off and when you come into a new team and a new city, it can affect you a little bit, no matter how strong you are mentally.
After I misplaced another pass, he came over to me and told me not to be afraid. He said, ‘You’re very good, just stay calm and play your natural game.’
I didn’t realise how much I needed to hear that at the time, but it gave me a lot of confidence. It made me feel comfortable again and reminded me why I came here.
Having someone like Raphinha around you, especially as a leader, makes things a lot easier.”
🚨NEW: Pep Guardiola on Enzo Maresca impressive start to his tenure as Manchester City Manager:
🗣️ Pep:
“Enzo… I am so, so happy for him. You cannot imagine. The team is playing fantastic football. Fantastic. The courage with the ball, the movements, everybody wanting to play… this makes me very proud. He has continued what we built, and hopefully, hopefully, it continues for many years.”
“I hear people say he is beginning to look like me. Yes, yes, I agree! At least we are both bald! And the charisma… we have the same charisma, no? Haha!”
“Now I am at home, watching in bed with my wife. And I enjoy it, guys. More than you believe. I have not missed one City game. Not one. Sometimes I am shouting, ‘Pass! Pass! The space is there!’ And then I remember, Pep, relax… Enzo is the manager now!”
“The foundations are there. The legacy, the blueprint, the mentality to win again and again. So many people worked for years to build this. Now Enzo is taking it forward with his own ideas, his own personality. That is beautiful…..”
🚨 BREAKING: After the 2-1 defeat to Atlético, José Mourinho has reportedly told Florentino Pérez he wants FIVE January signings to strengthen his squad and avoid ending the season trophyles.
🇮🇹Riccardo Calofiori (£70m)
🇪🇸 Zubimendi(£45m)
🇳🇬Victor Osimhen(£130m)
🇵🇹Vitinha….love
🚨🎙️ Pep Guardiola on Barcelona’s 3-1 comeback Against Sevilla:
“This is one of the hardest opponents Barcelona have faced this season. I always watch their games and I really enjoyed this one. Rodri played so well, and look at Raphinha—he just keeps delivering. He can’t stop scoring.
“But if I have to be honest about one more thing, it’s Lamine Yamal. People always look at the goals because they take over the timeline and win you games, but they don’t always look at what actually led to the goal or the work a player does before it happens.
“Lamine is a crazy talent. Watch the game closely and you’ll see how much he drags opponents towards himself, creating space for others to punish them. Those players are so important, and Raphinha should be happy to have him. They understand each other, and that’s the most important thing.”