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Pep Guardiola says ‘there will be no change’ to Manchester City’s sweeper keeper strategy
How long will Pep stick with it? “Until the last day of my career as a coach.”
David Ramos/Getty Images
Claudio Bravo was very bad for Manchester City against Barcelona on Wednesday, looking uncomfortable on his line on multiple occasions before getting sent off for handling the ball 25 yards from goal. Inevitably, this led to a lot of questions about City’s decision to loan out Joe Hart and Pep Guardiola’s style of play. You will be unsurprised by Guardiola’s answer.
“There will be no change,” he said. “Until the last day of my career as a coach I will try to play from our keeper.”
Bravo better improve rapidly, then.
Red card of the day
Hey, about that. Here’s Claudio Bravo getting sent off. (r/soccer)
In the news
Eintract Frankfurt captain Marco Russ is now cancer free. (@Eintracht)
Gerard Piqué and Jordi Alba both picked up injuries in Barcelona’s win. (ESPN FC)
Nottingham Forest’s owner wants some outrageous bonuses if he sells the club. (Guardian)
Despite Zinedine Zidane’s preference, Florentino Pérez says Real Madrid doesn’t need a sporting director. (AS)
Here’s a cute story about a 5-year-old Celtic fan calling the club and begging forgiveness for missing a game. (Marca)
You should be reading
Peter Coates on Argentina transitioning from a golden generation to younger players. (These Football Times)
Kevin Nolan on why Lazio fans sing a song about the Hungarian revolution. (The Gentlemen Ultra)
James Horncastle on Milan’s positive start and possible revival. (ESPN FC)
What happened on Wednesday
Another thing on Barca’s win over City: Lionel Messi scored a hat trick.
A new-look USWNT entertained in a 4-0 win. (Stars and Stripes FC)
What to watch on Thursday (click for listings, all times ET)
Europa League: 24 games (from 1 p.m.) -- Watch Inter vs. Southampton during the early slate and Dundalk vs. Zenit during the late slate.
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