Ashley feels the Newcastle pain
Jordan’s aiming for Europa spot
MANUEL PELLEGRINI has warned his successor Pep Guardiola that the Premier League will come as a huge culture shock.
Guardiola, below, won three successive titles in Spain with Barcelona and has won three in a row in Germany with Bayern Munich. But Pellegrini says the intensity of the competition in England is different.
“It’s a new challenge if it’s your first time in this league,” he said. “I’m not just talking about Guardiola, I am also talking about myself, in the first year I arrived here.
“But when you have worked in Europe for so many years as a manager, you are prepared to win that challenge. I am sure that Guardiola will be prepared to do well in a difficult league.
“In a sense you are preparing for it during your whole career – you are playing Champions League against English teams and seeing English games every week.
“But obviously it’s not the same as living and working every week here. And it will get even more competitive because the TV rights are increasing every season, so every team will have more money to spend on good players.”
Pellegrini, who takes charge of City for the final time tomorrow, has no plans to speak to Guardiola but insisted: “There is no bitterness.” MIKE ASHLEY has written an open letter to Newcastle fans but refused to apologise for the club’s second relegation in eight years under him.
The sports magnate claims he shares the hurt of the Toon Army and understands their anger, describing the job Rafa Benitez has done since arriving two months ago as “formidable”.
But fans hoping Ashley, above, will sell up face disappointment with the owner suggesting he will be at St James’ Park for the long haul.
“We invested heavily in the squad last summer and again in JORDAN Henderson’s hopes of being fit for the Europa League final have been boosted after the Liverpool captain returned to full training for the first time since suffering damaged ankle ligaments.
The midfielder, right, endured the injury setback last month, but received the all-clear to step up his recovery at the start of the week.
Liverpool face Sevilla in Basle on Wednesday and Henderson hopes to be available, saying: “I’ve done everything I’ve been asked to do. The medical and fitness teams have January but have been unable to secure Premier League status despite the recent efforts of the team under the formidable stewardship of Rafa Benitez,” he wrote.
“I’ve said that when I take on a challenge I am prepared to go through good times and bad. “Relegation is a terrible blow but I want to assure you that the club will now be doing everything it can to try to ensure a swift return to its rightful place in the Premier League.” been fantastic to get me back as quickly and as safely as possible. I feel good.” But Henderson will not play tomorrow at West Brom. Meanwhile, Nigeria are targeting youngster Sheyi Ojo following an impressive start to his Liverpool career. The 18-year-old attacker has represented England at youth level, but is eligible to play for the African country through his heritage.