Pep Guardiola not concerned that Manchester City only had eight subs at Chelsea
Pep Guardiola has no complaints about being forced to name an incomplete substitutes bench that included two goalkeepers during Manchester City’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Chelsea on Sunday. The champions took only eight replacements to Stamford Bridge, amongst them reserve keepers Stefan Ortega and Scott Carson, as injuries limited the manager’s options. Guardiola was without John Stones and Nathan Ake, with the latter having been ruled out as late as Friday, whilst Kevin De Bruyne remains a long-term absentee. Yet City looked to have coped well without their missing trio and thought they had nicked three points late on in west London when Rodri’s effort deflected in off Chelsea’s Thiago Silva four minutes from time. That was until former City man Cole Palmer levelled from the spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Armando Broja had been fouled by Ruben Dias. Despite the enforced absences and dropped points, Guardiola said he was satisfied with the squad depth available to him. “Kevin is long-term, John was injured unfortunately. Nathan was injured. The rest are OK,” he said. “I like to work with a small (group). It’s so tough if five, six, seven players don’t play, they don’t like that. It’s what it is. “If we have injuries, it’s unlucky, but we have done all the time. “For many years we’ve had this type of squad.” Guardiola said he felt his team put in a performance far better than in recent seasons at Stamford Bridge, despite Palmer – who left City for Chelsea in a £42million deal on the last day of the transfer window – coming back to haunt his former manager at the death. It came after the visitors has twice led through Erling Haaland, who scored his 12th and 13th Premier League goals of the season, with Manuel Akanji also netting. For Chelsea, Raheem Sterling also scored against the club with whom he won the league four times, with Silva and Nicolas Jackson also on target. “I don’t remember a game where we’ve come here and had the chances that we had,” said Guardiola. “Even games where we’ve come here and won, last year for example was much, much worse than (Sunday). “Even by a million times it was much worse than today, and we won 1-0. We tried, we created a lot of chances. We take a good point, we created a lot of chances in the right moments Pep Guardiola “The talent cannot be controlled sometimes. They are in a good process, their shape is really good, what they do. “Give credit both teams. The game was tight. It was momentum for everyone, and momentum you can break. It’s a fair result. “Nothing changed. Chelsea is Chelsea, one of the greatest teams in the last 20 years. “I know how good they are. For us, it’s a good test. How long we didn’t lose, that’s a good sign. “Today we didn’t lose, we (played) away. We take a good point, we created a lot of chances in the right moments. “I think it was a fair result for both sides.” Read More John Carver urges Lawrence Shankland to make the most of late Scotland call-up Ben Davies keen to prove doubters wrong as Wales target another major tournament Britain’s Katie Boulter eager to build on her successful season in 2024 On this day in 2006: Gold Cup winning Desert Orchid dies at the age of 27 The sporting weekend in pictures San Francisco 49ers return to winning ways against Jacksonville Jaguars
2023-11-14 01:57
Michael Malone agrees to contract extension with reigning NBA champion Nuggets, AP source says
The Denver Nuggets have extended the contract of coach Michael Malone after he guided the franchise to its first NBA title, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press
2023-11-14 01:56
Biden honors Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights in the return of an NHL tradition
President Joe Biden honored the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights in a ceremony at the White House
2023-11-14 01:50
Joe Espada introduced as manager of Astros, replacing Dusty Baker, who retired last month
Joe Espada was introduced as manager of the Houston Astros on Monday, replacing Dusty Baker, who retired last month
2023-11-14 01:45
Morne Morkel resigns as Pakistan fast bowling coach
Pakistan fast bowling coach Morne Morkel has resigned with one month left on his six-month contract
2023-11-14 01:29
South Carolina jumps to No. 1 in women's AP Top 25 after chaotic week; Colorado crashes top 5
South Carolina moves up to No. 1 after a chaotic opening week that saw nine of the first 14 teams lose, including previous top choice LSU and second-ranked UConn
2023-11-14 01:27
Carlos Alcaraz loses to Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-4 in his debut at the ATP Finals
Carlos Alcaraz was beaten in his debut at the ATP Finals by two-time champion Alexander Zverev 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-4
2023-11-14 01:25
F1 fans can get married at Las Vegas Grand Prix with first-ever 'Race To The Altar' chapel
The inaugural Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to take place this weekend in one of the biggest sporting events of the year, and in true Sin City style, there is going to be an F1 wedding chapel where couples can tie the knot. For those F1 fans who are racing to walk down the aisle, the first-ever (and aptly named) 'Race To The Altar' chapel will be located inside the paddock. In the video posted by the official F1 Las Vegas account, the entrance to the chapel has a bright led heart-shaped arch with a floral wall behind with a sign that reads: "Lights Out And Together We Go." There is also an F1 show car that has “Just Married” on the back of the rear wing. While this isn't your typical F1 Grand Prix feature, it is of course in Las Vegas - the home of speedy marriage licenses and weddings. Though the addition to the paddock has clearly divided F1 fans. Some F1 fans weren't impressed with the announcement, calling the chapel "cringe." While others were excited at the idea of an F1-themed chapel, so much so they would get married again. An idea for those F1 fans who wanted an on-theme divorce if the marriage doesn't work out... The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place this weekend from November 17-19. How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-11-14 01:20
Trent Alexander-Arnold studying great midfielders as part of new ‘hybrid’ role
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is embracing his ‘hybrid’ role by watching video clips of some of the world’s greatest midfielders in order to gain greater understanding. Towards the end of last season the 25-year-old was asked to vary his right-back role by stepping into central areas to be able to dictate on the ball more and offer a different attacking dimension. It is something which was first pioneered with John Stones by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and, while Alexander-Arnold has studied how his England team-mate has performed, he has not limited his learning to ‘hybrid’ players. “I enjoy learning about the game, watching things, watching players, different systems, different teams, how different players play it and there are some players who play it really well,” he said after the 3-0 victory over Brentford which set up a top versus second clash against Manchester City when the Premier League resumes after the international break. “I think as someone who plays the inverted, hybrid role – I don’t know what people call it these days – then it is obviously John Stones. “He is someone who, for a long time, I have admired his game; he is exceptional, so I watch him a lot. Clips or even when I am just watching City’s games, I will sit and focus on him. “I have always admired him, I do admire the way Rodri plays. “He is pivotal in that team and someone who is massively underrated but like we have seen recently, when you take him out of the team, they are not the same. That just shows how important he is. “I would say it is those kinds of players I watch, but there are a lot. I will watch players from the past as well – (Sergio) Busquets, (Xabi) Alonso, (Andrea) Pirlo, Stevie G (Gerrard): those players I have always enjoyed watching.” I will watch players from the past as well – Busquets, Alonso, Pirlo, Stevie G Trent Alexander-Arnold on learning from great midfielders It makes sense for Alexander-Arnold to educate himself on the ways of such midfield maestros as there has been more than a hint he could be transformed into a genuine option. He was first tried centrally by Gareth Southgate in a game against Andorra just over two years ago and when the England squad is now published, Alexander-Arnold is listed as a midfielder. At the time Jurgen Klopp questioned why he would play the world’s best right-back in midfield but he has mellowed his stance since then and even brought Alexander-Arnold on as the defensive midfielder in the Carabao Cup win at Bournemouth last month. “The conversations I have had with the (England) manager and the staff there, I go there as a midfielder, I train there and that is where I try and play on the pitch barring the Australia game last time,” he added. “It really does help me in that sense. I am not playing midfield week in, week out here but I am getting on the ball in central areas and knowing how to receive and conduct yourself and play a game in midfield is a lot different to at the side of the pitch. “I think the way I see it and the way I am told and explained to play it (at Liverpool), it is almost when we have the ball I am midfielder and when we don’t have the ball I am a right-back. “I think when the ball advances up the pitch it becomes more about protection and stopping counter attacks. It is more disciplined. “When I come in as a right-back there is still (Wataru) Endo or Macca (Alexis Mac Allister) there, Fabinho last season, and their job is to stay as the number six. “My job is the one who comes in and still has the freedom to underlap Mo (Salah) or overlap him, get into the box, shoot or cross whereas as a number six it is more rigid, your role along with the two centre-backs to ensure that when the ball pops out of the box it doesn’t go into the striker’s feet and they can build from there.” Read More John Carver urges Lawrence Shankland to make the most of late Scotland call-up Ben Davies keen to prove doubters wrong as Wales target another major tournament Britain’s Katie Boulter eager to build on her successful season in 2024 On this day in 2006: Gold Cup winning Desert Orchid dies at the age of 27 The sporting weekend in pictures San Francisco 49ers return to winning ways against Jacksonville Jaguars
2023-11-14 01:19
For Craig Counsell, the chance to manage the Cubs was one he couldn't pass up
Craig Counsell was ready for a new challenge and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to manage the Chicago Cubs
2023-11-14 00:48
Brady Hoke to retire as San Diego State coach at end of the season after 6 years with the school
San Diego State coach Brady Hoke says he will retire from leading the Aztecs after this season, having guided the program for six years over two stints that included three bowl appearances
2023-11-14 00:28
John Carver urges Lawrence Shankland to make the most of late Scotland call-up
John Carver has challenged in-form Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland to use his late call-up to the Scotland squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Georgia and Norway to stake his claim for a seat on the plane to Germany next summer. It was announced on Monday that the 28-year-old Jambos captain had been drafted in by Steve Clarke after Southampton forward Che Adams became the latest high-profile absentee for this week’s campaign-concluding double-header. Shankland won the last of his five caps in the home win over Spain in March and was left out of the last two squads. However, after taking his tally for the season to 10 goals with five strikes in his last five matches – including a double in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Motherwell – the former Dundee United forward has been rewarded with a recall. Carver believes Shankland should look towards Watford centre-back Ryan Porteous – now a regular starter – for inspiration as he comes in from the periphery. “We got a call yesterday regarding Che having an issue with his groin,” said the Scotland assistant manager. “The good news for us is Lawrence popped up with a couple of goals at the weekend against Motherwell so he’s a player in form. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for him. In the past, we’ve had players who have stepped in at the last moment and taken their opportunity. I can use Ryan Porteous as one. “We went to Ukraine having to get a point in the Nations League, Ryan stepped in (for his debut) and was outstanding, and he’s never looked back since. That happened for him and there’s an opportunity for Lawrence. “He’s in good form, scoring goals for Hearts, which is important. He’ll want to be on that plane in the 23-man squad. It’s a competitive squad. We know what he can do, but this is an extra opportunity for him over the next seven days because he didn’t expect to be here.” Lewis Ferguson has joined the squad on the back of a strong start to the campaign in Serie A, recently equalling Denis Law as the highest-scoring Scot in the Italian top flight, and Carver feels the 24-year-old has a chance of asserting himself as a regular starter for the national team by the time the Euros begins. “It’s great,” he said of Ferguson’s form. “We have some young players pushing their way through and, in particular, Lewis had an extremely good game in Lille (against France last month). “He’s one who is really developing, he’s playing in a physical league and he’s dealing with it really well. He could be one of the players who forces his way forward and gives Steve an even more difficult decision to make in terms of the opportunity to start (at the Euros).” Scotland have generally had a fairly settled squad during Clarke’s reign, but Carver explained that no player should view themselves as either guaranteed to be in the squad or out of the picture for the Euros as there is still time for circumstances to change. In the current squad, for instance, the absence of Adams means Scotland are effectively without five regular starters, with goalkeeper Angus Gunn and defenders Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey also out injured. “I’m sure Steve will have some sleepless nights from now until picking the squad but that’s what he wants, that’s why we’re in the game, we want to make difficult decisions,” said Carver. “We want players to force the issue and make it even harder for us. There’s going to be disappointment at the end of it, but there is a long way to go from now until the championships. “A lot of time will pass so players will get injured, players will come into form, but the decision will be made in the best interest of the team.” Scotland sealed their place at the Euros last month but after losing their last three matches – friendlies against England and France either side of a qualifier away to Spain – Carver is adamant they will not be short of motivation. “The desire’s there because we’ve lost three games in a row against top-quality opposition,” he said. “It was three of the top 10 sides in Europe so it’s been a great learning curve, but we want to get back to winning ways. “We have to now press the reset button and go again. It’s great being in the position we’re in but the Euros is in the future, we have to attack the situation now and that is by getting six points in the next two games and making sure that just in case Spain slip up in their last two games, we are ready to take advantage.” Read More How has Mauricio Pochettino got Chelsea firing after early-season slump? Ben Davies keen to prove doubters wrong as Wales target another major tournament Britain’s Katie Boulter eager to build on her successful season in 2024 On this day in 2006: Gold Cup winning Desert Orchid dies at the age of 27 The sporting weekend in pictures San Francisco 49ers return to winning ways against Jacksonville Jaguars
2023-11-13 23:59