Pep plays down title talk in derby
MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola tried to play down growing excitement among Manchester City supporters over the possibility of winning the Premier League title when they face United in the derby early next month. Jose Mourinho’s side visit the Etihad on April 7 for a game which could see City make mathematically certain of being crowned champs following their 2-0 victory at Stoke on Monday. David Silva scored both the goals against Stoke.
First, City must win their visit to mid-table Everton but, should they do so, Guardiola will win his first league title in English football with victory over his old rival Mourinho at the Etihad.
“Everybody is asking this question,” said Guardiola. “But the important thing is on March 12, we have 81 points, that is a lot of points. We want to be champions. We need three wins, but we are able to do it with two (if City beat United). But before and after United, we have the (Champions League) quarter-finals, and at the moment that is the most important thing to focus on.”
MINERVA MAY PULL OUT OF SUPER CUP
NEW DELHI: Days after winning their maiden I-league title, Minerva Punjab FC have threatened to pull out of the inaugural Super Cup in Bhubaneswar citing budget constraints. Minerva are to face Jamshedpur FC on April 2 in the Rd 16 fixture. Club director Heena Singh said, “We have written to AIFF about our inability to play Super Cup. The foremost reason being financial, while there are other factors also. We still haven’t pulled the plug and we are in talks with AIFF and are hopeful of a solution.”
The Super Cup will see top six teams from ISL and I-league and rest playing qualifiers to make it to main draw. The final of the event will be held on April 20.
EUROPA ABSENCE HURTING AUBAMEYANG
LONDON: Arsenal striker PierreEmerick Aubameyang said his forced absence from the Europa League this season was the main reason for a “frustrating” start to life at London. Aubameyang, who joined Arsenal in January, played for former club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League this season and UEFA’S ‘cup-tied’ rule prevents him from representing his new team in Europe for the rest of the season.
“I am really frustrated because the rules are a bit... I don’t know how to say in English but I am disappointed because I can’t help my team,” Aubameyang said.
“I play once a week or have a long time between games. It is not easy... that’s life. I have to deal with it.”