Pep Guardiola has admitted the demands of winning the treble did take a toll on his Manchester City players. City were knocked out of the Carabao Cup and suffered rare back-to-back Premier League defeats prior to the recent international break. They got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday but Guardiola concedes there has been a natural drop in intensity after the remarkable end to last season. The City manager said: “The treble had an influence on all of us, me included. “So now we need to be there, close, month by month, to arrive in the final decision moments at the end of the season close to the opponents to try it again. “I said many times, no-one has won four (Premier Leagues) in a row, never ever. That shows how difficult it is, but now it’s important to be there, especially in the Champions League, qualify for the next round in this period and after we can just focus on the Premier League. That is the target.” City’s success has also brought increased expectations, particularly on Erling Haaland, who scored a remarkable 52 goals in an outstanding first season at the club last term. By his extraordinary standards, the Norwegian’s recent three-game run without a goal constituted a barren spell but he ended that ‘drought’ with a clinical strike against the Seagulls. “Yes the expectations are so high but he’s handled it really well,” said Guardiola. “He knows he could have scored even more goals in the nine Premier League games we have played.” Guardiola rested goalkeeper Ederson at the weekend following the Brazilian’s exertions during the international break. Stefan Ortega took his place. Guardiola said: “It was just for the fact that the travel from Brazil, it’s a long time. Of course it’s happened many times but he played two games there and he was so so tired. “Normally I like to play Ortega in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup but we are out of the Carabao Cup, and sometimes it’s good for Eddy to rest a bit and refresh the mind.” Ortega was pleased to get the opportunity and hopes there will be plenty more. The German said: “I was excited when Pep told me that I was starting. I’m always waiting to get a chance to get a bit more game time. “Eddy is playing really well this season, he started really good, but I try to keep pushing him every day in training sessions. “I think I deserved to start. I’m ambitious so of course I’m not happy to sit on the bench, but we are in a team. “Sometimes it is tough but this is my job – to be there when the team needs me and to keep pushing Eddy every day.”

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LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 28, 2023--

It’s nearly Strictly Come Dancing season, with many of this year’s contestants already announced. Broadcaster Angela Rippon will make history as the show’s oldest contestant, and she’s joined by a cast of actors, news presenters, comedians and more. Here’s a look at the fashion of this year’s contestants… Zara McDermott Zara McDermott is the first Love Islander to join Strictly Come Dancing. The 26-year-old documentary maker said on BBC Radio 1: “I am nervous, excited, every single emotion honestly – I cannot wait.” She’s usually wearing gorgeous gowns on the red carpet and co-ords and crop tops off-duty, so it’ll be no surprise if McDermott throws herself into the deep end on the show and goes all-out with her costumes. Angela Scanlon TV presenter Angela Scanlon – known for fronting the revamped machine combat competition Robot Wars and Your Home Made Perfect – is fun and flirty with her fashion choices. She started her career as a stylist, so knows her stuff when it comes to fashion. Her personal style is all about bright colours, bold patterns and a hint of sparkle – perfect for the Strictly dancefloor. Angela Rippon Broadcasting icon Angela Rippon, a journalist, author, newsreader and TV presenter, will be 79 when the programme is filmed. Her fashion style is classic, with cardigans, turtlenecks, silk shirts and suit jackets her clothes of choice. It won’t be a surprise to see Rippon wearing a lot of floral glitz, sparkles and glamour on the dancefloor – and perhaps some costumes that will push her outside of her comfort zone. Krishnan Guru-Murthy British journalist and lead presenter at Channel 4 News Krishnan Guru-Murthy sticks to what he knows. You’ll usually find him wearing a dark two-piece suit – likely with a brightly coloured tie – or loose shirts. Amanda Abbington Amanda Abbington is best known for her roles in Mr Selfridge and Sherlock. Her style is generally quite muted – she favours classic outfits in black, white or neutral colours – so the Strictly wardrobe of sparkles and shine will likely be a new experience for her. Layton Williams Layton Williams – known for playing Stephen Carmichael in the TV series Bad Education – will be a showstopper this year. He’s often found wearing bold tailored outfits that help him stand out from the crowd – think dramatic silhouettes and daring ensembles, which will likely translate onto the Strictly stage. Eddie Kadi You’ll find BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter on the Official UK Afrobeats Charts Show and stand-up comedian Eddie Kadi wearing everything from casual outfits to patterned three-piece suits and striking colours. So it’s safe to say that he’ll do his best to wear unique and outgoing costumes in this series. Adam Thomas Actor and TV presenter Adam Thomas is best known for playing Adam Barton in ITV soap Emmerdale and Donte Charles in BBC drama series Waterloo Road. He’s usually found pairing denim jeans, chinos or slacks with a plain T-shirt, polo or shirt – so perhaps he’ll stay on the safe side whilst waltzing across the dance floor. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 veg you can still sow in summer Areas with lower bird diversity ‘have more mental health hospital admissions’ Expert hacks for keeping your home cool in summer

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