It was a comfortable win in the end for Manchester City, as they swept aside Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final. The first leg saw them win 2-0 away at St James' Park, before then winning 3-1 in the home fixture at the Etihad.
A first-half brace from Omar Marmoush, followed shortly after by an effort from Tijjani Reijnders, put the game to bed before half-time. Anthony Elanga did pull one back for Eddie Howe's men, but this was merely a consolation, with the tie finishing 5-1 to City on aggregate.
At full-time, Pep Guardiola drew attention to himself as he was spotted in deep conversation with Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. Details of their chat have now been revealed.
The chat has naturally sparked talk of a potential transfer between the Italian and Man City in the future, with Tonali touted as a potential long-term midfield option. Guardiola, however, insisted that it was personal matters that led him to go for a conversation, explaining to reporters:
“What did I say? My Italian is perfect, so that’s why I can communicate with him. And we have an incredible friend in common from Brescia, Edoardo Piovani.
“And every time we are connected, I know his father some time ago and all the time we met we talked about his experience in Milan, the supporters, and how happy he is in Newcastle. He’s a really, really top player, top, top, top player!”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola waving Related
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Tonali's Newcastle Future in Doubt Amid Arsenal And Man City Links
sandro tonali
Tonali, or rather his agent, made headlines in the dying stages of the January transfer window when reports revealed he had been offered to Arsenal. Trusted journalist David Ornstein later reported that this was true, but no deal was ever likely to materialise in the winter market with Newcastle not even contacted by the Gunners.
Tonali's future, however, is likely to be a big topic in the 2026 summer transfer window. Journalist Luke Edwards has explained: "Sandro Tonali has reassured people behind the scenes that he is very happy at Newcastle and is not thinking about a move – but a rock was thrown into a lake on deadline day and the ripples will spread into the summer.”
While Guardiola was never likely to admit that he was trying to convince the Italian to join, it's notable that he was full of praise for the Newcastle star, dubbing him a 'really top player'. Of course, there are doubt that the Catalan coach will even be at the Etihad next season.
Earlier this week, a number of names, including Xabi Alonso, were touted as possible replacements for Guardiola should he leave. The 55-year-old has been coy on his future, recently remarking:
"When it is the [end of the] chapter the club will choose the best one to continue this incredible period in Man City. There have been rumours in the last years many, many times but I want to stay here. At the end of the season, we'll see."