Guardiola Declares ‘The Season Starts Now’ — What Surprising Strategy Is Man City Planning?

Alright, here we go — the Premier League churns back into life this Saturday, and Pep Guardiola isn’t taking any prisoners with his bold declaration: ‘the season starts now.’ If you thought last campaign’s slip-up was a fluke, think again. The Cityzens stumbled, dropping a hefty 20 points compared to the prior season, and settled for a third-place finish — far from the trophy-laden standards they’ve set themselves. But, here’s the kicker: a well-oiled summer overhaul has launched them into a blistering run, winning nine of their last eleven matches. With a victory at Newcastle looming, they could slice the leaders’ advantage to a razor-thin point. Meanwhile, Arsenal, the current table-toppers, take a backseat momentarily, not playing until their fiery North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday. Guardiola’s message? November isn’t a death knell — it’s the ignition. The real grind kicks off post-transfer and international breaks, with every three-day duel shaping the title race’s destiny. And in his eyes, triumphing over Newcastle isn’t just a win; it’s a vital step forward in their relentless pursuit. LEARN MORE

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his Premier League rivals that ‘the season starts now’ as they return to action against Newcastle on Saturday.

City were poor last season by their own high standards, dropping 20 points from the year before to finish third in a stuuttering campaign.

Buut a summer rebuild has seen them win nine of their last 11 games, and they could cut the gap at the top of the Premier League to a single point with victory at Newcastle.

With leaders Arsenal not playing until they host local rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, City can put the pressure on.

“We are in November, and in November in this league nothing is final,” Guardiola said. “What happens in February or March, be careful. But the season starts now.

“The first start is when the transfer window is over in the summer. And now again when the international breaks are over.

“Now until March we see each other every three days. Now the real season starts.

“It is important to be there and to arrive at the end of the season with a chance to fight. Winning (in Newcastle) would be an important step for us.”

100 up for Haaland?

City striker Erling Haaland goes into Saturday’s game on 99 Premier League goals from 108 appearances and can break Alan Shearer’s record of being the fastest to reach a century – which currently stands at 124 games.

Haaland score four more last week to help Norway qualify for their first World Cup appearance since 1998. In all, Haaland scored 16 goals in eight games during their qualifying campaign.

“He’s incredible this season,” Guardiola said. “He’s breaking all the records, personal and individual records, Premier League records, records for Norway/

“I’m happy for him, his national team. I saw that many of the squad for Norway weren’t even born the last time Norway were in the World Cup.

“As a football player, a world-class player, he deserves to play a World Cup and live the experience. I’m so happy for him.”