ED: EMOTION HIGH
PEP GUARDIOLA knows his chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is unhappy with him over the failed title defence. Manchester City were denied a hat-trick of titles by the brilliance of champions Liverpool, who they trail by 21 points with three games left. The City boss revealed Al Mubarak (left) is dismayed by the gap between them and Liverpool, who went toe-to-toe for the title last season, with the Blues winning by a solitary point. “When I don’t like something, I say so to my chairman,” said Guardiola. “My chairman is not happy with me. We’ll finish 21 or 23 points behind Liverpool. But we discuss to try to do better next season, to convince them. But always it has to be on the pitch.”
BOURNEMOUTH were on their way to Chester 11 years ago, knowing they had just three games left to save themselves from relegation from the Football League.
Rookie boss Eddie Howe had asked which of his players would write their names into the club’s history.
Brett Pittman and Anton Robinson did, as the Cherries won 2-0, and beat Grimsby 2-1 a week later at Dean Court to ensure they did not drop into non-league football.
Tonight, Bournemouth go into a match knowing they once again have three games left to save themselves.
Only this time it is avoiding relegation from the Premier League – and, instead of Chester, it is Pep Guardiola’s
Manchester City. Howe, whose hopes were massively boosted by Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Leicester, smiled, saying: “It’s a slightly different level of team!
“But there are very similar emotions in that Chester game to what we’ll feel.
“That match was absolutely pivotal – the pressure was huge.
“But the magnitude of both games is very similar – even if the opposition is slightly different.”
He added: “Quite possibly, we are going to need our greatest-ever performance against City.”
Howe’s task at the Etihad has been made even more difficult with Nathan Ake and Adam Smith both injured and Josh King also doubtful.