Pep Guardiola has sent a classy message to Newcastle United fans ahead of today's clash here at the Etihad Stadium. Supporters arrived in their droves from Tyneside with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss giving them a personal greeting in today's match programme. It is not uncommon for managers to pay lip service to the travelling fans but Guardiola demonstrated again why he was one of the most respected figures in the game.
Guardiola said: "I want to welcome Eddie Howe and his staff here today and I also want to extend a really warm welcome to the Newcastle fans who are always so good whenever we have been to St James' Park.
"Newcastle is an historic club so this is a fixture I always look forward to. When a team comes into a game in good form you always have to be aware. The Newcastle players are happy, feel good and trust the manager's process and have confidence.
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"That is a dangerous combination. My players know this and we have been working since the Real Madrid match to ensure we combat their threat."
And speaking on the job Howe has done, Guardiola said: "Eddie has had a huge impact since taking over and deserves so much credit. Not only has he managed to get excellent results you can also see his ideas have been clearly accepted by the players. Clearly he has the respect of everyone at Newcastle and to do that in a short space of time is really good."
