Pep: United ‘will learn’ from season

PEP Guardiola believes that Eddie Howe and Newcastle United will “learn their lessons” from their first season as a Champions League side.

The Manchester City boss has been discussing United’s tumble down the table from fourth place to 10th with hopes of silverware now officially over for another year.

Guardiola feels that the hectic European schedule proved to be a steep challenge for Howe and his squad, particularly given the amount of injuries suffered because of the quick turnaround between games.

Guardiola feels that seasoned teams like his City side, Liverpool and Arsenal have provided the benchmark for how to cope with playing in four competitions.

With City still on for back to back trebles in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, Guardiola discussed Newcastle’s position after the 2-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola told reporters: “We have done it, Liverpool and ourselves and Arsenal joined us last season, before they were not there. I have not been there so I can’t judge Newcastle.

“I wish Eddie Howe all the best. Eddie was at Bournemouth and at Newcastle, he took them to another step.

“But it was their first time that they played four competitions meaning they played every three days. It is not easy especially at the beginning.

“When it is the first time it is not easy for anybody or any club. Again, I have not been there so I don’t know why, but I am pretty sure they will take a lesson from that.”

Newcastle have suffered badly on the injury front with Joelinton, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes some of the key personnel missing at the moment.

Guardiola said: “I think they had a lot of injuries starting with Pope and then many important players. It happens when you play every three or four days and it is difficult.

“The team have incredible fast pace quality players, Guimaraes, Gordon. They have experienced players like Schar. Last season was unbelievable but last season they played one game a week. This season they play a lot and it is completely different.

“When you have experience and can handle the training, the minutes and everything it’s tough. But I am pretty sure they will learn their lesson.”