Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed as the head coach of German football club Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to hold the role in any of European football’s top professional men’s leagues.
Eta will lead the Bundesliga side until the end of the season after former coach Steffen Baumgart was sacked.
Union parted ways with Baumgart late on Saturday night following a 1-3 defeat away at bottom-of-the-table Heidenheim, a result which left the Berlin side with only two wins in 2026 and in danger of slipping towards the relegation zone.
Eta, who currently coaches Union’s under-19 men’s side, will now take charge of the senior team on an interim basis for the remaining five games of the season before becoming the women’s first team head coach in the summer.
Advertisement
“We’ve had an absolutely disappointing second half of the season so far,” said Union Director of Sport, Horst Heldt.
“Two wins out of 14 games since the winter break, and the performances we’ve shown in recent weeks, didn’t give us the confidence that we could turn things around with the existing setup. We’ve therefore decided to start afresh, and I’m delighted that Marie-Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis.”
Marie-Louise Eta: ‘Bundesliga survival not yet secure’
Eta, 34, will take over immediately. Her first game in charge will be at home to fellow relegation strugglers VfL Wolfsburg next Saturday.
“Given the tight situation at the bottom of the table, our survival in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” she warned. “One of Union’s strengths has always been the ability to pull together in such situations, so I’m pleased that the club has entrusted this challenging task to me.”
Advertisement
While the interim appointment makes Eta the first woman to officially take charge of a men’s Bundesliga side, it’s far from the Dresden-born coach’s first involvement with Union’s men’s team.
Between November 2023 and May 2024, Eta assisted Marco Grote when he took interim charge following the dismissal of former head coach Urs Fischer. She remained on the coaching staff under Fischer’s permanent successor, Nenad Bjelica, becoming the first-ever female assistant coach in the Champions League in the process.
Who is Union Berlin’s head coach Marie-Louise Eta?
As a player, Eta — then under her maiden name Bagehorn — won three Women’s Bundesliga titles and the 2010 Women’s Champions League with Turbine Potsdam.
She also represented Germany from under-15 to under-23 level, winning the under-17 European Championship in 2008 and the under-20 World Cup in 2010, but ended her playing career aged 26 due to a series of injuries.
Advertisement
In February 2023, she completed her UEFA Pro License, the coaching qualification required to take charge of a professional men’s football team.
Eta is the first woman to take charge of a senior men’s team in England, Spain, Germany, France or Italy, widely considered to be the best five leagues in Europe.
While women have managed men’s football teams in lower divisions before, Eta is the first to take official charge in a top division.
German third-tier club Ingolstadt are currently coached by Sabrina Wittmann, while French second-division club Clermont were managed by Corinne Diacre for three seasons until 2017.
Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt announces the team’s third-round selection at the NFL Draft, with Apr. 25, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin capturing the on-stage moment as fans reacted to the No. 102 pick during the second night of draft festivities. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
You are 11 days away from learning how the Minnesota Vikings proceed in Round 1 of the NFL draft, all of a sudden an exciting event because Kevin O’Connell’s team could be quite good in 2026 with Kyler Murray in the house. Here’s a look at the main eight ways the draft could shake out on April 23rd.
Minnesota could stay put, move back, or get aggressive.
The Vikings pick 18th, though they could, in theory, trade up or down.
Advertisement
The Realistic Draft Paths for Minnesota at Pick No. 18
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most realistic outcome), this is what to expect from Minnesota in Round 1.
Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (0) stands ready during game action against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, Oct 18, 2025, as the Buckeyes defense prepares for the next snap in a physical Big Ten matchup under a charged atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
8. Trade No. 18 for a Star — or Trade Up
Three men could be the object of the Vikings’ desire for a trade up the board:
Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Is a Vikings trade-up for a non-premium position likely? No, it is not. Can it be ruled out? No, it cannot.
Or — another wild scenario — Minnesota could use the 18th overall pick to land a big fish via trade, like Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter or New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence.
Advertisement
For context, this option is mentioned “just in case.”
7. Trade Jonathan Greenard and Draft an EDGE
Greenard has frequented the trade rumor mill for about five weeks. Truth be told, when the Vikings’ leaders speak about Greenard, they never use words like “untouchable.” There remains a chance that Greenard is traded for a 2nd-Rounder.
Then, equipped with the 50th pick in addition, for example, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski could use his 1st-Round pick on Keldric Faulk (Auburn) or Akheem Mesidor (Miami).
Advertisement
6. Draft a WR at No. 18
A Round 1 wide receiver is in play for two reasons:
a) The Vikings have no WR3 right now unless Tai Felton takes a huge summer leap.
b) Jordan Addison’s behavior isn’t necessarily reliable.
Advertisement
Some mock drafts have hinted that Minnesota could pick Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson; it’s not the craziest idea, especially for a franchise now led by an offense-first head coach, Kevin O’Connell, who might be the Team CEO.
5. Draft TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 18
Sadiq possesses a rare combination of skills — strong receiving, reliable blocking, and exceptional physical attributes — and at just 21 years old, his potential is immense.
This is particularly relevant to the Vikings’ long-term plans. With T.J. Hockenson’s recent contract rework leading him towards free agency in March 2027, the Vikings may want to secure their future at tight end. If they believe Sadiq is the best player available at pick No. 18, drafting him is absolutely in play.
Advertisement
4. Draft a CB at No. 18
This is code for two players, in all likelihood:
Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
Avieon Terrell (Clemson)
McCoy may not be available at the Vikings’ spot, but if he is, they might have to pounce. Terrell’s draft lead-up is riddled by injuries, but if Minnesota just doesn’t care, he’s in play, too.
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) celebrates with a symbolic prop after defeating the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium, Oct 12, 2024, as the Volunteers mark a rivalry win and energize the home crowd following the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Angelina Alcantar-Imagn Images
The Vikings haven’t drafted productive cornerbacks since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, so we’re talking a decade-long drought.
3. Draft a DT at No. 18
Translation? Clemson’s Peter Woods.
Advertisement
Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave played over 1,300 defensive snaps at defensive tackle for the Vikings in 2025. However, that production is now gone. Minnesota moved on from both veterans a month ago after their one-year stints, creating a clear void in the middle of the defensive line.
If the Vikings stay at No. 18 and seek a young defensive tackle, Woods would be the pick.
2. Trade Down a Bit + Draft a DB, DT, or LB
Minnesota has an opportunity to sell the 18th overall pick, stay in Round 1, and stockpile a 2nd-, 3rd-, or combination of those picks, depending on how far they’re willing to drop down the board.
Advertisement
Brzezinski would add another Top 100 or pick or two, and then consider drafting one of these players with a pick between 26 and 32:
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
1. Draft a Safety at No. 18
Sticking-and-picking a safety remains the most plausible draft scenario for the Vikings for four reasons:
Harrison Smith may retire.
Dillon Thieneman might be the best player available at No. 18.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would fit wonderfully in Brian Flores’s scheme.
Just two safeties are under contract for 2027: Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson.
Tucson, Arizona, USA; Wyoming running back Harrison Waylee (4) carries the ball against Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22) during second-half action in the Arizona Bowl, Dec 30, 2023, as both teams compete for yardage in a postseason matchup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The only argument against a safety is that the position isn’t considered premium. Want an example? The Vikings could sign any one of these free-agent safeties today for cheap, and that player would do just fine in the rotation:
Jamal Adams
Ashtyn Davis
Quandre Diggs
Terrell Edmunds
Mike Edwards
Rayshawn Jenkins
Ifeatu Melifonwu
Isaiah Oliver
Jabrill Peppers
Jordan Poyer
Taylor Rapp
Justin Simmons
Xavier Woods
Donovan Wilson
General managers should only draft safeties in Round 1 if they’re confident that the rookie will be an utter game-changer — like Harrison Smith 14 years ago.
Perhaps that’ll be Thieneman or McNeil-Warren. You’ll find out in a week and half.
NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a commanding all-round performance to outclass Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a high-scoring IPL clash at the Wankhede. Powered by explosive half-centuries from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar, RCB posted a massive 240/4, which MI could not fully chase despite a late fightback led by Sherfane Rutherford.RCB came out swinging from the start, with Kohli setting the tone in trademark fashion, including a stunning flicked six early on. Phil Salt then took charge, tearing into the MI attack with fearless strokeplay, punishing both pace and spin as he raced to 78 off just 36 balls.
Watch
How Justin Langer’s belief helped Mukul Choudhary shine
The opening stand of 120 put MI immediately on the back foot.Even when MI tried changing bowlers, nothing worked. Salt smashed Mitchell Santner for three consecutive sixes, while Mayank Markande was taken apart. Eventually, Shardul Thakur broke through by dismissing Salt, but the damage was already done.Rajat Patidar then walked in and went into full attack mode, smashing a 17-ball fifty and continuing the carnage with clean hitting over the infield. Kohli held one end steady, bringing up his fifty before falling in the 15th over after scoring 50 off 37 balls. Tim David then added a quick unbeaten 34, pushing RCB to a daunting 240.
MI fall short at the end
Mumbai Indians’ chase never fully settled despite a decent start. Ryan Rickelton looked promising with 37 off 22, but wickets at key moments derailed momentum. Rohit Sharma’s injury retirement further hurt their balance early on.Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya tried to rebuild, but RCB’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Krunal Pandya’s tight spell and Suyash Sharma’s breakthroughs in the middle overs ensured MI never got a real launchpad, going several overs without a six during a crucial phase.The only real resistance came late from Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls with a flurry of sixes to narrow the margin. However, the target of 241 proved too steep, and MI ended at 222/5.In the end, RCB’s top-order firepower and early dominance sealed a comfortable 18-run win in a run-fest at the Wankhede.
Canelo Alvarez lost the super-middleweight marbles back in September, but the Mexican superstar is eager to win them back when he returns later this year.
Alvarez’s reign was brought to an end by Terence Crawford seven months ago, only for ‘Bud’ to retire soon after and leave the titles fragmented, making the road to becoming a three-time undisputed champion an arduous one for Canelo.
Meanwhile, the WBA have installed Jose Armando Resendiz as their new super-middleweight titleholder, following his interim title win over Caleb Plant last May. However, the Mexican is scheduled to face countryman and former Canelo opponent, Jaime Munguia, on Saturday, May 2. Last week, Osleys Iglesias picked up the vacant IBF belt.
Finally, the WBO has ordered a vacant title contest between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic in the co-main event of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven bill next month.
Canelo remains ranked as the number one contender for the WBO title and, in an interview with The Ring, Sheeraz said that he would relish the opportunity to face the four-division world champion in the near future.
“That fight there, if that fight ever happens, that is down to His Excellency [Turki Al-Alshikh]. If he wants it to happen, it will happen. I would love to share the ring with a great in Canelo and if it happens, it happens.”
Therefore, should an issue arise with his planned WBC title challenge, Canelo could instead opt to pursue a clash with the victor of Sheeraz-Begic later this year, as he attempts an immediate return to the 168lb throne. If he fights and beats Mbilli – no simple task – the prospect of a unification will be there waiting.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Keibert Ruiz singled home two runs to break an eighth-inning tie and the Washington Nationals defeated Milwaukee 8-6 on Sunday to complete their first series sweep of the Brewers in 15 years.
Washington’s last sweep of the Brewers came in April 2011. The Nationals hadn’t swept the Brewers in Milwaukee since June 2006.
Advertisement
The Nationals recovered after allowing a tying, three-run homer to Gary Sánchez in the seventh.
Advertisement
Brice Turang hit two solo shots and Jake Bauers also went deep for Milwaukee, which has lost five straight for its longest skid since June 2023.
Washington’s James Wood homered for the fourth time in his last seven games.
After the Nationals scored four runs off Milwaukee relievers Abner Uribe and Angel Zerpa (0-1) to take a 6-3 lead in the seventh, the Brewers quickly responded.
Milwaukee had two outs and nobody on in the bottom of the inning when reliever Ken Waldichuk threw a pitch to Turang and immediately started walking around in discomfort. Waldichuk pointed to his elbow while getting checked by athletic trainers on the mound and then headed to the dugout as Cole Henry came out of the bullpen.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Turang and William Contreras eventually walked. Sánchez then delivered a 400-foot shot into the left-field seats.
Washington bounced back in the eighth.
CJ Abrams and Jacob Young began the inning with singles off Zerpa before both runners advanced on Jorbit Vivas’ sacrifice bunt. Ruiz then greeted Aaron Ashby by grounding a single up the middle through a drawn-in infield.
Advertisement
PJ Poulin (2-0) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Gus Varland retired the side in order in the ninth for his first career save.
Up next
Nationals: Open a four-game series at Pittsburgh. The starting pitchers for Monday’s opener are Washington’s Cade Cavalli (0-0, 2.51 ERA) and Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes (2-1, 5.25).
Advertisement
Brewers: Start a three-game home series with Toronto on Tuesday. Jacob Misiorowski (1-1, 3.31 ERA) pitches for the Brewers, and Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.08) starts for the Blue Jays.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has explained his side’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in their Premier League clash on Sunday.
The Blues were beaten at Stamford Bridge after goals from Jérémy Doku, Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guéhi secured all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Speaking after the match, Rosenior admitted that his team failed to maintain their level after the break, despite a solid first-half display.
Advertisement
“In the second half, the performance was nowhere near what we wanted. There was no frustration with the first half; we were organised and very difficult to break down,” Rosenior said.
He also spoke about a controversial moment involving a disallowed effort, adding: “Cucu’s goal is an inch. I still don’t know how close it is, but they have made the decision.”
The Chelsea boss further expressed concern about his team’s recurring struggles when conceding goals.
Advertisement
“The reality now is there are too many times we go a goal down, and it’s quickly followed by another and that can’t happen,” he added.
The result leaves Chelsea FC in sixth position on the Premier League table with 48 points from 32 matches, as they continue their push for a European qualification spot.
City recovered from a slow first half to blow the home side away with three goals in 17 second-half minutes to put real pressure on the league leaders ahead of next Sunday’s meeting between the two sides.
Should Guardiola’s team triumph at the Etihad Stadium they will move to within three points of the Gunners with a game in hand, and they sent a warning in west London that they are not going away in the title race as goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku humiliated Liam Rosenior’s Blues.
“We have done a good three games but the best team in England so far is Arsenal, the best team in Europe so far is Arsenal, because the numbers are there, the consistency they had,” said Guardiola.
City – whose supporters sang “are you watching Arsenal” and “we’re Manchester City, we’ll fight to the end” from the Shed End, while one fan was captured on television cameras animatedly miming drinking from an empty Arsenal branded water bottle – look equipped to take the title fight to the wire.
Advertisement
The Gunners’ home defeat by Bournemouth on Saturday had opened the door for City to take charge of their own destiny, and they took full advantage against a Chelsea side which collapsed in the face of more powerful and clinical opposition to leave their own hopes of reaching the Champions League in serious doubt.
Guardiola believes his team’s victory in the Carabao Cup final three weeks ago helped change the face of the title run-in, with City rampant and Arsenal on a run of three losses in four matches ahead of the showdown.
“There isn’t one person in this room when we played at Wembley in the Carabao Cup bet for us one pound,” he said. “We were underdogs. Now it’s a bit different. That’s the mindset we have to work.
“Football is like that. You’re able to have 49 games, lost three games in the last four. Tell me a reason why. This is business.
Advertisement
“I know how difficult. Always a warning has to be there. We have a long week, we’re going to train good, to prepare good. I know perfectly the manager, I know how good he is (at) adjusting things. But at the same time, we play at home with our people.
“I know how tough. To (beat) Arsenal once is so difficult. Forty-nine games they lost three in all competitions. I know how good they are.”
As for Chelsea, the early promise which accompanied Rosenior’s first month in charge has evaporated, leaving in its place the same old doubts over the mental fortitude of this young squad and the club’s general direction under the current ownership.
“I need to win in this moment,” said Rosenior, whose side trail Liverpool by four points in the race for the final Champions League place.
Advertisement
“When I first came, I never asked for a lot of time because I understand this club. I understand the traditions and the history of this club.
“I would like to have that time and I’m confident that in that time, you can create something very, very special within the time that it takes, which even someone as experienced as Pep or Jurgen Klopp when he won the titles he did at Liverpool, they had a year to sort things out. I’ve come in January.
A third bogey in four holes for Cameron Young, a skid saved only by the interspersing of a birdie in that run.
And Rory McIlroy misses his birdie putt! A look of frustration and a thrust of the hand at a break he hadn’t seen coming. Justin Rose remains top of the tree, all alone.
Tyrrell Hatton, meanwhile, has scrambled superbly to a four on the 17th. That just about keeps his chances alive, though he’d love a birdie at the last to really put the pressure on.
Advertisement
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:41
Rory McIlroy starting to find his flow
Rory McIlroy tattoos the flag on nine, a wonderful wedge of the kind he struggled with yesterday. He’ll have something tasty to join Justin Rose at -12.
Cameron Young was forced to punch out of the trees, and has got unlucky, ending up in a divot. Though he finds the green, his score may be heading the other way.
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:37
Advertisement
Russell Henley drops a shot
Russell Henley tried to play it safe between the two bunkers on the tiny 12th green, yet just overhits it. His chip tumbles down to within range, though he doesn’t like his par putt from the moment it leaves the face.
Down to nine-under in Amen Corner.
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:34
Advertisement
Birdies for the last pairing at the eighth
A birdie apiece for Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy, with the latter failing to find his eagle putt though leaving it dead. Within one of Justin Rose each moves.
Tyrrell Hatton’s rampage may be over courtesy of an errant adventure into the woods beside the 17th fairway.
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:28
Advertisement
Creativity!
This could go anywhere. A marvellous bit of thinking and shot-making is rewarded as Cameron Young comes back off the backboard having sailed over the flag with his third. So, so clever, and setting up a birdie chance.
Can Rory McIlroy make his eagle, though?
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:25
Advertisement
Masters fourth round
Not that it will be easy: Rory McIlroy absolutely nails a low-iron that bends brilliantly on to the eighth green. It’s a birdie at worst, you’d suggest.
Up ahead on the 11th, Russell Henley leaves a birdie putt an inch or so high. But Tyrrell Hatton has no such issues – it’s ANOTHER for him at 16 and he’s just two back all of a sudden.
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:23
Advertisement
Justin Rose extends lead
But also on a hot streak is Justin Rose – three in a row for the regular Masters bridesmaid, and a two-shot lead will have belief building that it might finally be his day.
(REUTERS)
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:19
Tyrrell Hatton joins the party!
We assumed that Tyrrell Hatton had much too much to do from -4 at the start of the round, but three birdies on the spin out of Amen Corner take him to -9 for the tournament with three holes to play. He’s in the mix!
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:17
Advertisement
Rory McIlroy gets one back
Finally, one drops for Rory McIlroy – back to 10-under with a purposeful stride. A long, long, long way to go…
Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:09
Justin Rose leads outright!
A bogey for Cameron Young as a wobbly putt trickles by – Justin Rose leads the Masters!
CM Punk opened up ahead of his title match at WWE WrestleMania 42. The Second City Saint will be defending the World Heavyweight Championship at the PLE next weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In an interview with SHAK Wrestling, CM Punk was asked about headlining WrestleMania for the second year in a row. The veteran noted that it still meant a lot to him to be in the main event of The Show of Shows.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
“WrestleMania is and always will be the pinnacle, top-shelf show in pro wrestling. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, those are the guys that were always talking about and hovering around the main event when I was watching. And I kind of developed that same attitude, like the best guys main event the biggest show, so to do it once was sweet, do it back-to-back years. It’s like being on the cover of the video game for a second time, it’s still a big deal to me,” he said. [H/T: WrestleTalk on X]
You can check out the video below:
Advertisement
Roman Reigns won the Men’s Royal Rumble match earlier this year in Saudi Arabia and will be challenging Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE WrestleMania 42 next weekend.
Former WWE writer criticizes CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ storyline
Wrestling veteran Vince Russo recently discussed the rivalry between CM Punk and Roman Reigns.
Speaking on Russo’s The Brand, the legend stated that he was sick of hearing Punk cut promos by himself. He wondered where Reigns was and called out The OTC for skipping shows so close to WWE WrestleMania.
“I am so tired of hearing freaking CM Punk’s promos. Like, okay, bro, we get it. I understand. You’re a 60-year-old rebel. I understand. I get it. Like, how many freaking times? And then, maybe I missed something. Where was Roman Reigns yesterday? Where was he? Like, what is Roman Reigns doing that he can’t appear on the show a week before Mania?” Russo said.
CM Punk and Roman Reigns have one more segment together before Wrestlemania April 13th RAW
Advertisement
The rivalry between Punk and Reigns has become extremely personal. Only time will tell which WWE star walks out of WrestleMania 42 as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.
The Toronto Blue Jays were once again forced to turn to their bullpen early in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.
Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer was chased in the third inning by the Twins after allowing five hits and six runs, leaving with two runners on. He was replaced by reliever Joe Mantiply, who surrendered a two-run double, scoring both inherited runners.
Scherzer’s final line showed 2.1 innings of work, five hits, eight earned runs, two homers against, two walks and three strikeouts.
He tossed 68 pitches — 41 strikes — in the outing.
Advertisement
It marked the second straight short start for the 41-year-old, who exited after just two innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 6 due to forearm tendinitis.
The eight runs allowed on Sunday pushed Scherzer’s ERA to 9.58 on the season.
Scherzer returned to the Blue Jays over the off-season on a one-year, $3 million deal, which included incentives for innings pitched. In 2025, the three-time Cy Young winner posted a 5.19 ERA over 17 starts and 85.0 regular-season innings.
Pep Guardiola spoke about next Sunday’s Premier League game with Arsenal after Manchester City cut their lead to six, with a game in hand
Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City have ‘grown up a lot’ in the last month as he challenged them to focus on their performance against Arsenal next week rather than the result. The Blues thrashed Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to take advantage of Arsenal’s slip on Saturday and set up a box-office match at the Etihad next week.
City still realistically have to defeat Arsenal in that game on Sunday to stand a chance of beating them to the Premier League title. However, they have beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their last three games with three clean sheets and have deserved to win with performances that have put their March disappointment in the Premier League and Champions League behind them.
Advertisement
“The only thing that saves us in 38 games in the Premier League is the way you play,” said Guardiola. “In the Champions League, the keeper has to save it, the strikers have to score a goal, the referees are involved amazingly. The moment, 10 v 11 for 75 minutes and we are out. Champions League is not about just about how you play, you have to defend really well.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
“The Premier League is another business, it is how you grow as a team and how you play good. If you are winning, winning, winning and not playing good, you are not going to win. You cannot hide behind the results. Results helps for the mood, for the confidence and it is an important medicine but you have to reflect what can you do better. In the last month, the team grew up a lot.”
Guardiola is still coaching a new team how to get over the line after three transfer windows over the last two years that have transformed the squad and seen a new generation. Their Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal last month was the first trophy for many of the players in the squad, and they still have to learn how to get over the line in the Premier League.
Advertisement
Three points over Arsenal would take City to within three points of top spot with a game in hand, but the manager wants the team to forget about the consequences of the game. Instead, they should just focus on the principles of playing that have been drilled into them all season and everything else will take care of itself.
“Winning once or twice is okay but during nine years being there all the time (except last season) defines us a little bit. It’s not just me or one player or two players, it’s all the structure to say what you have to do. Winning is difficult but winning a lot in the modern time is so complicated and we have done it,” he said.
“On Sunday with our people at 4.30pm we have the opportunity to prove ourselves again if we are able to do it. It’s not about just winning the Premier League but it’s about how you are in the game are better than the opponent and winning the game being better than the opponent and helping us through the game in the way we compete in all the details.
“We can win one game, and after that in that mindset it’s not the pressure that you have to win and if you don’t win you’re not going to win the Premier League. Forget about it, if you don’t win you don’t win. It’s how we have to play to win one single game. We have seven days to prepare it.”
Advertisement
Man City vs Southampton VIP and hospitality tickets
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Seat Unique offers hospitality packages for Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Southampton, including ‘premium’ seats at Wembley and complimentary food and drink.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login