14.5 C
Manchester
Thursday, September 18, 2025
FootballManchester City boss Guardiola hails Aston Villa counterpart Emery

Manchester City boss Guardiola hails Aston Villa counterpart Emery

Pep Guardiola is not surprised to see Aston Villa challenging for a Champions League place – and has heaped praise on their manager Unai Emery.

Villa head into the midweek round of games sitting fourth in the Premier League, although they could be overtaken by Tottenham come kick-off at the Etihad tomorrow night.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Stokes opts out of T20 World Cup
Delhi Capitals v Kolkata Knight Riders: Preview and prediction

Varane reveals fears over micro-concussions

The weekend win over local rivals Wolves maintained Villa’s good form and Manchester City boss Guardiola knows his title-chasing side will have to be at their best to gain a much-needed three points.

He said: “[It’s] excellent, the way they play. Unai Emery has consistency every season. They’ve been impressive. It’s no surprise, the quality of him, his management and the team.

“I haven’t watched all their games but I think they’ll play with the same system and ideas.

“They’re good on set-pieces and in transition, with two quick players up front. They have a strong backline and an exceptional goalkeeper. That’s why they are where they are.”

City have nine games to go as they look to make history and land a fourth successive top-flight title – a feat that has never been achieved in English football previously.

They have the experience but Guardiola accepts there can be little room for error given they sit a point behind second-placed Arsenal and three adrift of leaders Liverpool.

“It’s just winning games, that’s what we have to do,” he said. 

“We have not many chances to drop points. Aston Villa are playing to qualify for the Champions League, every team plays for something, so the last few games will be difficult to manage.

“Our experience [of strong finishes] is over, it doesn’t count. What counts is Aston Villa. Being able to win lots of games in a row before, I don’t know how many [we can win] now. The only thing to think of is how to beat Aston Villa.”

City will be without defender Nathan Ake after he limped off during the goalless draw with Arsenal on Sunday. John Stones, an unused substitute against the Gunners, could feature but Ederson and Kyle Walker remain absent.

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.
Latest

The green fleet: Sourcing affordable EVs at car auctions

The used electric vehicle market is experiencing unprecedented growth across the UK, with government data showing that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 20% of all new car...

Timberwise Boss Reveals Five Costly Issues Buyers of Older Homes Should Know

A leading voice in property care has revealed the five most widespread and expensive issues that often arise when people purchase older homes. George Edwards,...

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...

Choosing reliable vehicle financing for families in Manchester

When it comes to securing vehicle financing for your family, reliability is essential. Families need to consider the long-term impact of their financial decisions,...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

FREESMO Leads the Way with Smarter Smoke-Free Choices Through Trusted Questionnaire

As the smoke-free sector continues to grow and diversify, FREESMO is highlighting the importance of its Smoke-Free Questionnaire – a tried and tested tool...

Appy Pie Unveils Snappy 2.5: A Faster, Smarter Website Builder Designed Around User Feedback

Appy Pie has introduced Snappy 2.5, the latest upgrade to its website builder, developed in direct response to long-standing user feedback. This release focuses...

Timberwise Boss Reveals Five Costly Issues Buyers of Older Homes Should Know

A leading voice in property care has revealed the five most widespread and expensive issues that often arise when people purchase older homes. George Edwards,...

The green fleet: Sourcing affordable EVs at car auctions

The used electric vehicle market is experiencing unprecedented growth across the UK, with government data showing that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 20% of all new car...

More News

Manchester United going ‘in good direction’, Ten Hag says despite results

Manchester United's results show the club is going "in a good direction", manager Erik ten Hag has said despite his side's thrashing by Liverpool...

bet365 becomes official global partner of UEFA Champions League

bet365, one of the world’s leading online betting companies, has announced a historic sponsorship agreement, becoming the first official sports betting partner of the...

Manchester United: Getafe hope to keep Greenwood

Getafe president Angel Torres is confident Mason Greenwood will return to the Spanish club on loan next season if Manchester United can’t sell him...