Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Liverpool to battle for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz; Did Pep Guardiola scam Bayern on Kevin De Bruyne transfer?; FC Barcelona wants permanent move for Joao Felix; Granit Xhaka's impact; and MORE!
Florian Wirtz's future uncertain post Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Manchester City interested in him.
Guardiola's long-game strategy with Kevin De Bruyne signing and development.
Manchester City Thrash Huddersfield To Reach Fourth Round
Manchester City defeated Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup with two goals from Phil Foden and additional goals from Julian Alvarez, Oscar Bobb, and Jeremy Doku.
Kevin de Bruyne made an immediate impact in his return from injury, assisting in City's fifth goal.
Four-trophy Alvarez makes history with Man City win
After a record-breaking six months, Manchester City's Julian Alvarez has booked his place in history as the first player to win a treble of European Cup, league and domestic cup - and a World Cup - in the same season.Nine players before the 23-year-old Argentine forward had won the European Cup or Champions League and the World Cup in the same season - but none had won the domestic double as well.
CITYZENDuck's Predicted XI: Manchester City v Inter Milan - UEFA Champions League Final
Pep Guardiola's final team sheet of the season will soon be announced and we will know who he has selected to be the Manchester City side to face Inter Milan at Atatürk Olympic Stadium.The eleven men who walk out of that tunnel for the UEFA Champions League Final will carry the hopes and dreams of every City fan with them.
De Bruyne insists his career will not be defined by Champions League final
Kevin De Bruyne insists his career will not be defined by whether he wins the Champions League but accepts Manchester City's legacy would be strengthened by victory in Istanbul.Pep Guardiola's imperious team can complete a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble by beating Internazionale on Saturday, when City could become champions of Europe for the first time.
Gundogan's instant moment of beauty demonstrates worth to Manchester City | Barney Ronay
This was perhaps the perfect way to win it, the perfect way to confirm Manchester City's status as the defining domestic force of the age and all-round era-machine.The words used to describe this team, the semantic field of Pep-era City tend to be mechanical.City are a juggernaut, a steamroller, a fully operational death star.
Manchester City looking to sign 'the next Leroy Sane' in surprising tactical tweak: report
Manchester City is not expected to make any significant signings in the January transfer window and will focus on chasing Premier League leaders Liverpool.
City may prioritize signing a new winger in the summer, with Pedro Neto from Wolves being named as a potential target for the club.
The decision to pursue Neto could indicate a reconsideration of Guardiola's preference for left-footed wingers, as was the case with Leroy Sane.
Romelu Lukaku scored a second-half equaliser as Belgium salvaged a draw against Austria in Euro 2024 qualifying in Brussels.The Chelsea forward received the ball with his back to goal before turning and evading the Austrian defence to fire past Alexander Schlager.Michael Gregoritsch had given Austria the lead as his first-time effort was deflected past Thibaut Courtois.
Saudi Pro League chief reveals four marquee transfer targets
Saudi Pro League is interested in signing big-name players such as Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe, and Mohamed Salah.
Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante, and Riyad Mahrez have already signed mammoth contracts and are among the top earners in world football.
Manchester City have claimed more rewards as Rodrigo was named player of the tournament and City have seven players on the team of the season list.Just fantastic news after a really hard season where City claimed the treble.Rodrigo of course, earned the award after a great finish handed City the title on Saturday.
Manchester City 1-0 Internazionale: Champions League final player ratings
Ederson 8 Nervy then improved massively.Punted one pass into touch but then came two fine saves at the death: one from Lukaku, one from Gosens which was breathtaking.Manuel Akanji 7 Wild long-range miss summed up City's insipid opening 45 after he was shifted from left- to right-back owing to Kyle Walker being dropped.
Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United: FA Cup final player ratings
Stefan Ortega 7 As in previous rounds was chosen ahead of Ederson and passed as well as the Brazilian.Beaten by Fernandes's spot-kick.Kyle Walker 7 Barked at Dias to observe City's high line in a show of leadership but a fluffed clearance allowed Rashford to pounce in what might have led to United's second.
CITYZENDuck's Predicted XI: Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City
Manchester City have lifted the Premier League trophy, but still, games remain.Today Pep Guardiola's Blues face off against Europe-bound Brighton & Hove Albion.The gaffer will be looking to keep the lads sharp with two massive cup finals yet to play.So who gets the start against the Seagulls and who gets a chance to relax by the seaside?
CITYZENDuck's Predicted XI: Manchester City v Real Madrid
Manchester City look to take their next step toward the treble against Real Madrid at the Eihad.Pep Guardiola and the lads earned a draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg and have it all to play for in front of the home supporters.How will the gaffer line the boys up?I reckon he puts the strongest available eleven out there.
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature 8m ago 14m ago Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature As for City, I imagine they'd have rested loads had Arsenal not beaten Newcastle last Sunday.But they need to keep winning, so Pep Guardiola makes four alterations to the side that drew 1-1 at the Bernabeu in midweek: out go John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish; in come Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez.
Grealish, Haaland and co. celebrate Man City's treble with a parade in the rain
Manchester City have become the first English team to win a domestic treble, winning the English Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.
The club celebrated their historic achievement with a celebration parade, despite heavy rain.
The victory parade was a testament to the incredible achievement of the players, staff, and supporters, who have all contributed to the club's success.
Kevin De Bruyne: "Everybody will have enough energy for tomorrow,"
Kevin De Bruyne is ready for the UCL Final.He will be roaring to go as the club faces its second final in as many weeks.For the club and KDB it's a bit of trying to make everything as normal as possible given the stakes and circumstances.On to his presser-
"Everybody will have enough energy for tomorrow," "Mentally is more difficult to physically.
Man City player ratings vs Man United: John Stones shines as Ilkay Gundogan scores in FA Cup Final win
M anchester City are two-thirds of the way to achieving only the second Treble in English football history, after defeating rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.They could not have wished for a better start than when Ilkay Gundogan fired home the opener after just 13 seconds with a bullet volley for the fastest-ever FA Cup final goal.
Manchester City vs. Manchester United - Football Match Report - June 3, 2023 - ESPN
By Martyn Herman LONDON, June 3 (Reuters) - Manchester City moved to within one victory of completing a momentous treble as they beat Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final thanks to Ilkay Gundogan's double on Saturday.City captain Gundogan entered the record books by scoring the fastest goal in FA Cup final history as he crashed home a stunning volley 12 seconds after kickoff.
We can build a legacy': Rodri wants Champions League dynasty for City
Rodri believes Manchester City's first Champions League triumph can be the launchpad to build a legacy akin to that of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Milan as clubs who are serial winners of the trophy.The 26-year-old's goal against Internazionale at the Ataturk Stadium proved decisive and sealed City the treble, moving Pep Guardiola's side alongside Manchester United's 1999 vintage as only the second English team to achieve the feat.
Manchester rain to taste like champagne' as City celebrate Champions League win
Champagne will be falling from the skies of Manchester rather than rain after Manchester City's Champions League victory, according to celebrity fan Noel Gallagher.The former Oasis guitarist watched the 1-0 win over Inter Milan with fellow fans in a bar in San Diego, California, where he was on tour his brother Liam having previously tweeted the volatile band would reform if City completed the third leg of their trophy treble.
Champions League Final: Manchester City vs. Inter Milan: Live Updates
Simone Inzaghi did not want to go into detail.All Inter Milan's coach was prepared to say, on the eve of the Champions League final, was that his team had a special idea on how to deal with Erling Haaland.So far this season, Haaland has scored 52 goals in 52 games for Manchester City.He has scored against every opponent he has faced at least twice.
Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour set to attend Champions League final
Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour is expected to attend the Champions League final on Saturday evening.Club sources have confirmed that the sheikh is due to be present in Istanbul as City face Inter, bidding to win Europe's top club prize for the first time.It would be only be the second competitive game he has attended since his investment vehicle, the Abu Dhabi United Group, purchased City in 2008.
Two Things Manchester City Must do to Win the UCL Final vs Inter Milan
Manchester City hold all the cards in their hands as the UCL Final is finally here from Istanbul.A massive match with the treble on the line.Pep Guardiola will be wise to change a few things, not radically, but to give his side a really good chance to win.He has done everything right ahead of this match.
Player Ratings as Man United lose FA Cup final 2-1 to City - Old Trafford Faithful
David de Gea - Pretty poor with the ball at feet.Couldn't do anything about the first goal, but you expect better for the second.4/10 Aaron Wan-Bissaka - Did his job.Played really well against Jack Grealish and kept him quiet.7/10 Raphael Varane - Hassled consistently whenever he had the ball.Went back to the keeper more often than not.
Sergio Busquets Reveals Manchester City's Rodri Could Replace Him at Barcelona
In a week that has seen comparisons drawn between Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team of 2009 and his Manchester City team of 2023, much has been said about the midfields.The former was powered by the likes of Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta while Lionel Messi played in front of the trio.
Manchester City's Nordic meat shield Erling Haaland has broken another record by becoming the first player in history to take the Premier League Player and Young Player of the Year awards in the same season.The 22-year-old striker joined the blues last summer and has hit a record 36 goals in his debut season, whilst also notching up 52 in all competitions.
Erling Haaland was named the Premier League's Player of the Season on Saturday after a record-breaking debut campaign in which he has scored 36 goals and helped Manchester City seal a third straight league title.The 22-year-old was also voted the league's best young player, becoming the first person to win both awards in the same season.
Player ratings for Manchester City's 2022-23 Premier League title winners
Close to flawless.Again.The Brazilian is the unassuming star of City's backline who, under pressure, initiates attacks by coolly tapping the ball short, or has the vision to launch a 50-yard hail mary into Erling Haaland.Can be dominant in the air and has panther-like reflexes when required.9 An interesting season for a defender who became Pep Guardiola's de facto team weather vane.
Video: "Shut up" - heated moment spotted between furious Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola
Man City reached the Champions League final on Wednesday night after beating defending champions Real Madrid 4-0 at the Etihad but everything was not rosy as Kevin De Bruyne was furious with Pep Guardiola during the match.The Belgian grabbed two assists on the night but was not at his brilliant best throughout the match and slowed down as the match came to an end.
Four-Star City Destroy Madrid To Book Euro Final Place
Manchester City produced an exhilarating display to destroy Real Madrid and send the blues into the Champions League final on a glorious night for the club.A first-half brace by Bernardo Silva and goals from Manual Akanji and Julian Alvarez erased the memory of last year's 6-5 aggregate defeat and set up a showdown in Istanbul with Inter Milan.
Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid (agg: 5-1): Champions League semi-final player ratings
Ederson Toni Kroos's 20-yard rocket beat him but not his bar.Had close to zero to do until flinging himself low to save near close 8 Kyle Walker His pass to Kevin De Bruyne allowed the latter to create Bernardo Silva's first.Afterburners kept Vinicius Jr at bay 8 John Stones In Franz Beckenbauer mode, his advance position was key to Silva's sweet opener as yet again the No 5 impressed 9 Ruben Dias A spectator like the rest of the City backline who had a prime seat to witness the show before him 8 Manuel Akanji Joined attack at will and coasted along enjoying just how brilliant those in front were from 0-90 minutes 8 Rodri Early shot skimmed across Thibaut Courtois's goal, as the Spaniard for an umpteenth occasion in City livery oozed control and craft 8 Bernardo Silva Outstanding.
(Video) Bernardo Silva fires Manchester City in front against Real Madrid
May 17th 2023, 20:33 City have had 80% possession so far and nine shots to Real's zero, and their dominant start has been rewarded with a great goal from Bernardo Silva.Kevin de Bruyne picked up the ball in space 20 yards out from goal, slipping in an unmarked Silva in the box and he hit a fierce strike in at the near post to leave Thibaut Courtois helpless.
Man City team news: Guardiola names strongest available XI as hosts go for broke against Real Madrid
The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium when Man City step out onto the pitch against Real Madrid will surely be amongst the best that the players will have ever experienced.With the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final so perfectly balanced, it's a true winner-takes-all tie, and with Internazionale waiting in the final for the winners of this game, there can scarcely have been a better time for Pep Guardiola to break his duck in the competition post-Barca.
Man City vs Real Madrid: Champions League semifinal preview
Manchester City slight favourites for the second leg at the Etihad after salvaging a 1-1 first leg draw in Madrid.When: Wednesday, May 17 Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England Kickoff: 19:00 GMT Manchester City host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday evening with the tie delicately poised at 1-1.
Luka Modric has said Real Madrid's Champions League record -- winning the competition five times in the last nine years -- could give them the edge in Wednesday's semifinal second leg with Manchester City.City are still looking for their first Champions League trophy, despite years of domestic success, while Madrid are the most successful club in the tournament's history with 14 European Cups.
Forget Declan Rice, Arsenal need to beat Man Utd to bargain 55m transfer in order to win the title next season
Arsenal's title hopes are over, and fans will hope that rather than their best chance being gone, this is just the beginning of an exciting era at the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners weren't too far away from a truly outstanding Manchester City side, and there seems one obvious flaw to fix for Mikel Arteta's men to come back as more serious title contenders next season.
Manchester City On Brink of Title After Win At Goodison
Manchester City need just one more win to take a third successive Premier League title with a resounding victory at Goodison Park.Ilkay Gundogan's brace and Erling Haaland's 52nd goal of the season, and Arsenal's 3-0 loss to Brighton took the blues to the brink of retaining their crown, and can be confirmed as champions if they beat Chelsea next weekend.
CITYZENDuck's Predicted XI: Everton v Manchester City
Pep Guardiola used no subs against Real Madrid this past Tuesday.Certainly, he will look to rotate his Manchester City squad against Everton.An away trip to an Everton side in the thick of the relegation battle will be a stern test, but with many tired legs and the return visit from Los Blancos loomingGuardiola will have no choice but to rest some really big players.
Chelsea fixtures: Form guide & final 2022/23 games after Notts Forest
Chelsea's hopes of a top ten finish in the Premier League came to an end on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.The Blues were poor in the first half as Taiwo Awoniyi opened the scoring early on, but Raheem Sterling netted twice at the start of the second period to put the hosts ahead.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Everton - Premier League
Pep Guardiola has some starting XI decisions to make when Manchester City travel to Merseyside to face Everton on Sunday.The Citizens took a 1-1 draw from their first leg with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals but have Premier League duties to worry about before the return fixture next week.