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Guardiola’s outburst
Micah Richards was left stunned by Pep Guardiola’s “scathing” post-match interview after Manchester City’s win over Tottenham as the Spaniard took aim at his players and supporters.
An impressive second-half showing saw City come from two goals down to win 4-2 over Spurs but Guardiola was left unimpressed with his side’s performance.
The 52-year-old criticised his players and the club’s home support for their lack of “passion” and “fire” in front of what he perceived to be a flat Etihad last night.
Reacting to the eye-catching interview, former City defender Richards told Sky Sports: “It was scathing, wasn’t it.
“When we normally see Pep’s interviews, they’re very sarcastic, but today he came out and it was almost like he was saying he’s had enough of the situation of producing something so good, but no one seems to be satisfied.
“When you start going and talking about the fans, it’s a difficult situation.
“When the fans boo, it’s never acceptable, but it’s like he’s taken that really personally. I thought that interview was like he’s at the end of his tether.”
Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher disagreed, adding: “It was a brilliant interview. Pep Guardiola has not been in this position that often where he feels he has to send a rocket to everyone.
“Not many managers can get away with criticising their own supporters. Jurgen Klopp did it in his early time at Liverpool when a lot of supporters left before the end of the game.
“He’ll be fine, he’s not going to lose the supporters, he’s god here to supporters and he knows that.”
Lamps shines light on January plans
Frank Lampard insists Everton are working hard to get deals over the line before the January transfer window slams shut.
The stakes could not be higher for the Toffees ahead of tomorrow’s clash with fellow Premier League strugglers West Ham.
But Lampard, 44, has not given up hope of bringing in reinforcements to lift the mood, with a particular focus on beefing up his options in attack.
He said: “We absolutely want to help the squad — we have said it a lot. We want to make the squad stronger.
“I am aware everyone is trying to do the same thing and teams around us are working on their squads, getting competition in forward areas.
“We know we need more competition, more of a clinical nature to us at the top end of the pitch.
“That’s a reality we have to understand. We must try and improve it.
“It’s not an easy window but people are working towards trying to bring players in. I as a coach know we need to help it.”
Duran needs time or will come undone
Unai Emery insists incoming Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran needs time to make his mark in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old Colombia international is set to join Villa after an agreement was reached with Chicago Fire for a reported £18million move.
Danny Ings’ imminent departure for West Ham leaves Duran and Ollie Watkins as the Midlands outfit’s only options up front but Emery has suggested his new arrival will not be thrown straight in.
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southampton, the Spanish boss said: “We can’t give him the responsibility, as a 19-year-old, to play as a striker in the Premier League against the best teams in the world.
“I want to help him firstly with his adaptation: hopefully that will happen quickly. I know that he’s coming as a 19-year-old and he will need time to know his team-mates, our ideas, and playing against important players in every session here and against opposition teams.
“We are going to help him. The responsibility now, as a number nine and a striker, is for [Ollie] Watkins. We want to add him [Duran] to help us.
“I want to balance the squad by trying to get another striker but only with the idea to improve us.”
Cooper: Longer Lingard is here, the better
Steve Cooper has admitted he does not know how long Jesse Lingard will be at Nottingham Forest but wants it to be as long as possible.
Lingard, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, surprised many when he joined newly-promoted Forest following his release from Manchester United last summer.
The 30-year-old initially struggled to settle at the City Ground but was hitting an encouraging patch of form prior to his injury in December.
Speaking on the Diary of the CEO podcast this week, the midfielder revealed how much he is enjoying life with the Tricky Trees after a difficult end to his time at Old Trafford.
Asked how long the England international will stick around at Forest, Cooper, 43, said: “My honest answer is, I don’t know.
“With regards to his situation here, he is very much part of what we’re doing on and off the pitch.
“Even with the games he hasn’t played recently because of injury, you can see his engagement in the dressing room and by the side of the dugout.
“It’s just generally how he is every day. When you see him and when you don’t, he’s a very infectious, hard-working, committed lad.
“We’re really enjoying working with him. How long it will be for — the longer the better, for me. But we don’t know.
“The main thing for Jesse at the minute is to get him back fit and playing. We’re not looking beyond that.”
Liverpool sign Taylor
Liverpool have announced the signing of midfielder Miri Taylor from Los Angeles side Angel City FC.
The Kent-born 22-year-old spent one season with the National Women’s Super League side, making 11 appearances.
Taylor was selected by Angel City in the 2022 draft after coming through the ranks at Chelsea.
After joining the Reds, she said: “When I went to America, I always imagined coming back to the WSL — that was always my dream, to play football in England at the highest level I can.”
