Pep Guardiola has today name-dropped Goodison Park as one of the stadiums which made him adore England.
Everton left their iconic ground at the end of last season to start a new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It’s been a mixed bag so far for the Toffees at HDS. The team started well, but recently lost their way, going six games without a win.
Which do you prefer? 😬
Everton v Burnley - Premier League
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
But the 2-0 win over Burnley will hopefully now be the start of a run at home, as Everton seek to finish the season strongly.
For many fans though, Goodison Park is still badly missed.
And today, arguably the greatest manager in the world mentioned it in his press conference.
Pep Guardiola names Goodison Park as a stadium that made him love England
Guardiola was speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Manchester City’s game with Real Madrid tonight.
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Of course, there is a lot of speculation that this could be his final season as City manager.
And the Spaniard was talking about life after football management, and things he would miss.
Pep Guardiola in his press conference for Manchester City.
Photo by Federico Titone/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
He said: “I will miss not going to Camp Nou, I’ll miss Bayern Munich – hopefully we can go through and go there – and I will miss that, when I stop and retire.
“I will miss these nights because they are so special. “I’ll miss Selhurst Park as well, I love it. Premier League, these stadiums. #UCL I will miss, but Fulham, Crystal Palace, Goodison Park – these stadiums are one of the reasons I adore England, I adore the Premier League, for these kind of- FA Cup! Against League One [teams]… I like a lot! But one day it will be over, right?”
It’s actually not the first time Guardiola has acknowledged Goodison. Ahead of City’s last visit there last April, he said (via mancity.com): “Goodison Park is so special, like many of the old traditional stadiums in England from the past.
“Go to Fulham, Villa Park. You feel the special atmosphere. The clubs grow and I’m pretty sure the new stadium will be be more comfortable.”
Guardiola name-dropping Goodison Park is telling
It’s clear that a number of stadiums in England have left a big impression on Guardiola.
He could have said so many, but Goodison popped into his head, which just shows how iconic and special it was.
For the game’s top manager – and potentially best-ever tactician – to mention it as a stadium that contributed to his love for England speaks volumes.
A general view of Goodison Park.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
If anything, this makes it easier to understand why Everton have been a bit up-and-down at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It really cannot have been easy to make the transition from such a special place.
But hopefully with time, HDS will serve as the perfect home for Everton and be the place where many more special memories are made.
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