Managers

BIRMINGHAM — Aston Villa inflicted more misery on shell-shocked Manchester City on Saturday, defeating them 2-1 in the Premier League with goals from Colombian forward Jhon Duran and former City forward Morgan Rogers.

Villa rose above City into fifth place in the Premier League table, and the title holders dropped provisionally to sixth with their ninth loss in 12 games across all competitions.

Pep Guardiola's team could fall to as low as ninth by the end of the weekend and have just one victory to show from that 12-game stretch.

MANCHESTER — Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola blames the congested fixture schedule for the injuries that have ravaged his struggling team this season, saying he needs a squad of 45 or 50 players to weather the storm.

Saying City are in survival mode, Guardiola added he could have just three defenders available when they host Manchester United in Sunday's derby at Etihad Stadium, another blow to their dwindling hopes of retaining their Premier League title.

They are fourth in the table and have just one victory to show for their last 10 games across all competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Ange Postecoglou said on Friday that he was not hurting but determined to get things right after confronting angry fans as his inconsistent side slipped to a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth.

Spurs have won just one of their last six games across all competitions, with that victory coming against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in November.

Bracing for a tough test against second-placed Chelsea at home on Sunday, Spurs are 10th in the league standings with 20 points from 14 matches, having lost six of those games.

Taunted by the Kop with chants of "getting sacked in the morning", Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola afforded himself a wry smile and held up six fingers to remind the ecstatic Liverpool fans of how many Premier League titles he has won.

It was an unforgettable moment on a Sunday evening on Merseyside which could spell the end of Manchester City's domination of the English top flight.

MANCHESTER — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he did not intend to make light of the "very serious issue of self harm" with a joke he made after Tuesday's 3-3 draw with Feyenoord at Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola was asked in the post-match press conference how he got a cut on his nose, and he replied: "With my finger, my nail. I want to harm myself." The 53-year-old took to social media on Wednesday to explain his answer.

Pep Guardiola harm myself comment

Inter Miami CF named Javier Mascherano as their new head coach on Tuesday, replacing Gerardo "Tata" Martino.

Mascherano, 40, reunites with longtime Argentina and FC Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and is under contract through the 2027 MLS season.

Mascherano Inter Miami hire

Bienvenido, Jefe ✍️

Miami is the new Barcelona.

Javier Mascherano to become Inter Miami new manager for 2025 MLS Season

Former FC Barcelona and Argentine national team player, Javier Mascherano, is to become Inter Miami’s new head coach for the 2025 MLS Season. He is set to sign a long-term contract with the MLS club.

Javier Mascherano will be the new head coach of Inter Miami, as @CLMerlo reports.

Following a record-breaking season with the Columbus Crew, Wilfried Nancy was rewarded with 2024 MLS Coach of the Year honors on Wednesday.

Nancy, a finalist for the award for the last three seasons, won the award over Chris Armas of the Colorado Rapids and Gerardo "Tata" Martino of Inter Miami.

Nancy was hired by Columbus in December 2022 after two seasons at the helm of CF Montreal, where he finished 37-25-15. With Columbus, Nancy is 51-19-24.

Wilfried Nancy MLS Coach of the Year

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a new contract to extend his stay at the Premier League champions until 2026, British media reports said on Tuesday.

Guardiola's current deal, signed in 2022, was due to expire at the end of this season. The new contract reportedly includes an option for a further year, according to The Athletic.

Pep Guardiola contract extension 

Pep Guardiola has agreed to stay at Manchester City for one more season!