‘We remembered what we were’ – Guardiola hails Man City after thrashing Newcastle

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was delighted to see his team remember who they were after beating Newcastle 4-0 on Saturday.

The Spaniard watched his team perform like the reigning champions they are, with Omar Marmoush netting a first-half hat-trick.

James McAtee then got his first City goal to round off a perfect afternoon for the club four days after their late 3-2 home defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Speaking after the game Guardiola said: “The way we played, we remembered what we were and what we have not been this season.

“We always try, but sometimes we cannot do it. I am really pleased with the pace and intensity we had up front, Nico [Gonzalez] and [Abdukodir] Khusanov were extraordinary.

“We need to win these games to qualify for the Champions League. We have to make this kind of performance to send our people home happy.

“[Omar]Marmoush did really well in Germany, a player with his quality and pace, I was pleased with the way he scored. Against Orient he missed chances, but today in the final third he was really good.”

😁 @PepTeam pic.twitter.com/njBP6eGGhA

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 15, 2025

One slight concern for City is Erling Haaland’s early substitution after appearing to pick up a non-contact injury.

But the boss could not give a clear update on his situation as he has not yet been relayed any information.

He added: “[Erling] Haaland has signed a 10 year contract, so I have the feeling about him as captain. I am really happy for him.

“I have not spoken to the doctor, but I was scared when he went down. Maybe it’s not bad as it could be.”