Pep Guardiola Newcastle United press conference has given these updates on Friday | OneFootball

The Pep Guardiola Newcastle United press conference has taken place.

The Man City boss speaking ahead of Saturday’s match.

A 5.30pm kick-off at St James’ Park.

This latest international break finally at an end.

Pep Guardiola confirming a couple of players will miss the Newcastle United match, plus other updates.

Pep Guardiola Newcastle United press conference – 21 November 2025:

Pep Guardiola has said that nobody returned from the internationals with injuries.

Though Rodri and Mateo Kovacic still aren’t available.

“Everybody is fit except Kova and Rodri.

“Rodri is making steps good, it’s almost three weeks since his last setback.

“He knows he has to take time to recover well mentally and physically and to be consistent from now until the end.”

Pep Guardiola on Newcastle United:

“A top team.

“I never see the table when we analyse opponents.

“They are a top, top team.

“The atmosphere is a Champions League team.

“They are doing very well.”

Pep Guardiola on the title race:

“The truth is the team as strong as Arsenal in the last season, they have been impeccable in many things.

“The feeling that I have had in the past where we have fought incredibly against Liverpool, I have had the feeling that we will not drop many points and if they can take a lot of distance it will be difficult to catch up with them.

“When the distance is too big it is more difficult but at the same time we are in November and in November, in this league, nothing is defined.

“What happens in February, March? Be careful. But now is the start of the season.

“Now, the international break is done, we have games every three or four days and the real season starts now. The important thing is to be there and to be close and after that, arrive at the end of the season with a chance that we can fight it.

“Winning tomorrow would be an important step for us.”

Pep Guardiola on Gianluigi Donnarumma:

“We have an incredible two goalkeepers in Gigi and James [Trafford]. I have been really impressed with James Trafford how he grew up since he left the academy here, especially at Burnley.

“And with Gigi, when you start for AC Milan at 17-years-old it is because you are something special. All the players have qualified for the World Cup and hopefully the last one, Gigi can do it with all respect to their opponents, they can qualify.”

Pep Guardiola on whether his experience can help in games like Newcastle:

“The more you learn in your life you have more experience but it doesn’t mean you are going to do well. That is my job for the game and that is enough.”

Pep Guardiola on Donnarumma’s adaption to the Premier League:

“Quite well in terms of physicality. I don’t know someone more physical than him. He has done quite well but the team has evolved well lately and that helps the keepers.”

Pep Guardiola talking about Erling Haaland, who now has 32 goals for Norway and Man City in 20 appearances this season:

“He is incredible this season.

“He’s breaking a lot of personal records in the Premier League and with Norway.

“I’m happy for him with his national team and I saw yesterday that many of the squad were not born the last time Norway were in the World Cup.

“Qualification has been incredible, he’s discovered a lot of goals. As a world class player, he deserves to play at a World Cup so I’m happy for him.”

Pep Guardiola on this latest November international break:

“For me, I like the breaks.