Manchester City

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  1. 'I'm the one who said that I want Grealish'published at 19:32 25 May

    Pep Guardiola gives instructions to Jack GrealishImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has provided a defiant response in his post-match news conference when asked about Jack Grealish's future at the club: "Don't ask me about Jack. Who said I'm not happy with Jack?

    "Rico [Lewis] was not selected. [James] McAtee was exceptional against Aston Villa and Wolves, so why not ask me about McAtee? It is not personal.

    "I have 24 players. I had to get rid of six players last game and five players today because [Mateo] Kovacic got sent off.

    "I treat Jack like [Abdukodir] Khusanov, McAtee and all the players who have not been selected, but you say they are in trouble? It's not about that. I have 24 players and I had to get rid of five players because Kovacic was sent off in the last game.

    "It is nothing personal with Jack. I'm the person who fought for him to come here, the person who fought for him to stay here this season, and the same next season. I'm the one who said that I want Jack Grealish.

    "He didn't come because he didn't come, but not for some other reason. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki [Begiristain], Hugo [Viana] and the agents."

    Media caption,

  2. 'It has been a tough year but we never gave up'published at 19:05 25 May

    Manchester City manager Pep GuardiolaImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day about his side's winning performance against Fulham: "We started really well and, after that, we had the momentum. It was in our hands and we did our job. It has been a tough year but we never gave up.

    "I'm very proud and pleased for the team. Now we will recover and next season we will be better."

    On securing Champions League qualification: "It is like a title [because of] the obstacles. When you continue [a poor run of form], you finish 10th or 11th or 12th or 13th. This is the destiny of all the teams in the Premier League when they are in November, December or January and cannot fight for the Premier League, like we have done for many years. People can say: 'I don't want to fight again, just to qualify for the Europa League.'

    "But we continued playing good, we were there and we did it.

    "At the end of it all, we have finished third. We are not miles away from Arsenal but the distance to Liverpool is huge. We have to improve - and hopefully we can do it."

    On if he knew Erling Haaland would take the penalty: "I saw him. I saw him take the ball, yes."

    On Jack Grealish being left out of the matchday squad: "It was just a decision to travel with other players. It was a nightmare for us, for me especially, the last three or four weeks. I've got five or six players at home, and that it so difficult."

    On the upcoming Club World Cup: "It is an honour to be there for what we have done in the past. We are going to prepare to compete well and prepare for next season."

    Listen to more from Guardiola on BBC Sounds

  3. Fulham 0-2 Man City: Key statspublished at 18:43 25 May

    Erling Haaland of Manchester City prepares to take a penaltyImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City have now won their past 15 league meetings against Fulham, the longest winning run one side has recorded over another in the history of England's top four tiers (overtaking Manchester City v Bournemouth - 14).

    Pep Guardiola's side ended the Premier League season with a 10-game unbeaten run (W7 D3), their longest of the season. It is also the longest run without defeat by any side to end the 2024-25 campaign.

    Since his first Premier League season in 2022-23, Erling Haaland has scored more penalties in the competition than any other player (17).

  4. How the race for Europe finished uppublished at 18:30 25 May

    Graphic showing final Premier League standings third down to eighthImage source, Getty Images

    It went right down to the final day but the European places for next season are now finally confirmed.

    Manchester City and Chelsea's wins saw them secure third and fourth respectively, while Newcastle took the fifth and final Champions League spot despite a final day loss to Everton.

    Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest's defeats mean they miss out on the top five but will be heading on European adventures in the Europa and Conference Leagues respectively.

    Chelsea's win means there will not be an additional spot for eighth place so Brighton's victory at Tottenham does not creep them into Europe.

  5. Fulham 0-2 Man City - send us your thoughtspublished at 18:00 25 May

    Have your say banner

    So the curtain has come down on Manchester City's season with a win against Fulham.

    The Blues have had a turbulent campaign to say the least, but a strong finish at Craven Cottage secures the club Champions League football for a 15th consecutive season, and a there is also Club World Cup campaign to look forward to next month.

    The departures of Kevin de Bruyne - and probably a few other names - means Pep Guardiola has work to do this summer.

    How are you feeling after the game and at the end of a long campaign?

    Have your say on City's performance and season

    Come back to this page later to find a selection of your replies

  6. 27th time lucky for Gundogan...published at 17:23 25 May

    Stat graphic showing 27 and Ilkay Gundogan scored his first league goal of the season with his 27th shot

    After 26 shots without success before Sunday's match against Fulham, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan finally scored with his 27th attempt.

    Only two players had had more shots without scoring in the Premier League this season heading into the final day – Everton's Jesper Lindstrom (28) and Idrissa Gueye (27).

  7. Fulham v Man City: Team newspublished at 14:56 25 May

    Shamoon Hafez
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Fulham lineup graphic

    Fulham make four changes to the side that beat Brentford last Sunday, in the final Premier League game of the campaign.

    Captain Tom Cairney comes into the side along with Harry Wilson, Andreas Pereira and Jorge Cuenca.

    Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi, Sander Berge and Calvin Bassey drop to the bench.

    Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson, Lukic, Cairney, Traore, Wilson, Pereira, Jimenez.

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made two changes to the side that beat Bournemouth on Tuesday, knowing a point here should be enough for a Champions League spot.

    The big news sees Jack Grealish left out completely, while Kevin de Bruyne is on the bench for his final appearance in a City shirt. Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is only a substitute too.

    Nico Gonzalez replaces the suspended Mateo Kovacic, while Jeremy Doku is in for De Bruyne.

    Man City XI: Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Gonzalez, Gundogan, Silva, Marmoush, Doku, Haaland.

    Manchester City lineup graphic
  8. Follow Sunday's Premier League finale livepublished at 14:34 25 May

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    All 20 teams are in action on the final day of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

    All kick-off times 16:00 BST

    Follow all of the action and reaction here

  9. Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Man Citypublished at 12:22 25 May

    Sutton's predictions graphic

    Manchester City were really good in their win over Bournemouth on Tuesday, and they did not let the disappointment of last weekend's FA Cup final defeat affect them. Omar Marmoush was excellent, they created lots of chances and defended strongly too.

    City still made mistakes, though, and the stray passes that led to Mateo Kovacic being sent off and also gifted Bournemouth a late goal are the kind of simple errors you don't expect their players to make.

    City will miss Kovacic here because he gives them legs in midfield and knits their play together so well. Without him, I have a sneaky feeling that this will not be a straightforward afternoon for them. The way the season has gone for Pep Guardiola's side, I would not put it past them to screw this up.

    They only need a point to secure a top-five finish and maintain their ever-present record in the Champions League since 2011 but, with the way Fulham play, they are in for a tough time at Craven Cottage.

    I still think City will find a way of winning, but me saying that is probably bad news for Pep Guardiola's side. I've found it impossible to predict Fulham all season and, whatever I say they will do, I am usually wrong.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-2

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  10. Gossip: De Bruyne set for Napoli move and Grealish's future in doubtpublished at 12:20 25 May

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 33, is set to finalise a move to Serie A champions Napoli in the next fortnight. (Mail, external)

    Finally, England winger Jack Grealish's future has been cast into further doubt after the 29-year-old was left out of their squad for the final game of the season at Fulham. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)

    Want more transfer stories? Read Sunday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  11. Last call to give us thoughts on your club's pagepublished at 16:06 24 May

    Send us your feedback banner

    With the 2024-25 Premier League season coming to a close, we would love to hear what you think of this club page.

    A huge thank you to those who have already submitted their responses and have interacted with the page in any capacity throughout the campaign.

    We are continuously working to improve your experience and bring you the best possible content and coverage of your team.

    It is your club and your voice.

    So what do you like?

    And what could be improved?

    Send thoughts here

  12. Player of the season - what fans are saying so farpublished at 12:34 24 May

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    We asked you to pick your player of the season after our Manchester City fan contributor narrowed it down to Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland.

    Here are some of your comments on your selection, plus another name thrown into the ring:

    Chris: Kovacic has been great during this difficult season, as has Gvardiol. But Kova has had his best scoring season ever and he's stepped up during our dodgy spell. He's a class player.

    Gene: As much as I like Gvardiol, he's made too many mistakes this season. I think he's played better as a centre-back where he can be more of a defender. I picked Doku because of his ability to energise and get crosses into the box, many times when it was needed badly. Sometimes he'll hold on to the ball longer than he should, but his pace makes a difference and puts defenders on their heels.

    Sangha: Gvardiol was an excellent replacement for Rodri since the start of the season.

    Henry: Nico O'Reilly should be given a fair shout for this. A shining light in a fairly dismal season, to be honest. Impressive every time he was on the pitch, even in the Community Shield at the start of the campaign. Match-winner in the FA Cup and deserved his run in the team.

    Don't forget to make your selection

  13. Did you know?published at 11:11 24 May

    Erling Haaland Image source, Getty Images

    Manchester City have won each of their past 17 meetings with Fulham in all competitions, the longest winning run in history one English league side has had against another.

    Meanwhile, goals from Tom Cairney and Harry Wilson against Brentford last time out saw Fulham set a new Premier League for goals scored by substitutes in a single season (17). Those 17 goals have been worth 17 points to the Cottagers, more than any other side in the division this term.

  14. Guardiola shows human touchpublished at 20:06 23 May

    Shamoon Hafez
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Pep Guardiola Image source, Getty Images

    There was a lovely touch from Pep Guardiola at the end of his news conference today.

    After answering his last question, he half stood up and remembered it was the "last day" for head of communications Alex Rowen.

    Rowen is the man you see escorting Guardiola into the press room, sitting beside him at every news conferences, setting off proceedings and pointing which journalist gets to ask the next question.

    "Let's go Alex," Guardiola said. "Say something nice to them."

    It took a bit of persuasion but Rowen eventually sat back down before saying it has been the "best 10 years" in the job, being "grateful for the support" he has received and how "amazing" it has been to sit next to Guardiola.

    Cue hearty applause from the assembled media and manager, who has clearly been fond of his right-hand man.

    Kevin de Bruyne isn't the only big name leaving Manchester City after a decade then.

  15. Guardiola on team news, needing one point and Foden's healthpublished at 13:14 23 May

    Katie Stafford
    BBC Sport journalist

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season at Fulham (kick-off 16:00 BST).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • John Stones remains unavailable but Rodri and Mateo Kovacic will be on the bench.

    • He said "it is better arriving in the last game knowing it depends on you", rather than those around you, to confirm Champions League qualification and added: "We need one point, but we need to win against a top side."

    • On Rodri, who returned from his ACL injury to play a cameo off the bench against Bournemouth: "We are really pleased he's back and the reaction from our people to him. I am sure he's really pleased with that. [He has] a long way to go until he's back to what he was. After surgery, you always have to be careful or you can have muscular problems. It is a [positive] step for his mind and his knee."

    • He said "many things happened" this season and their rough patch was "not just about Rodri's" absence. "There have been many other challenges," he added.

    • On Phil Foden saying he has "struggled" this season because of off-field issues and injury: "That is true, Phil has said that. We want to help him and that's the most important thing. He needs rest and then he will come back. I want to help him. I don't care about his performance, I just want him to feel good because then the rest will come in an easy way."

    • He confirmed Foden "has been struggling" with an ankle injury for "a long time" but Guardiola still expects the midfielder to be available for the Club World Cup.

    • Kyle Walker, who is on loan at AC Milan, will not travel with City to the USA.

    • On Erling Haaland, who has not scored since returning form injury: "Every game he plays he is getting better, and on Sunday he is going to help us qualify for the Champions League."

    Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

  16. What's on the agenda for Guardiola?published at 12:42 23 May

    Shamoon Hafez
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Pep GuardiolaImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City and Pep Guardiola will be looking forward to the end of this campaign on Sunday.

    The side failed to win a major trophy for the first time in eight years and a point against Fulham in the last game of the Premier League season will avoid the unthinkable of not qualifying for the Champions League.

    Guardiola faces the media for the last time this season and could be asked about Phil Foden's omission from the England squad.

    Rodri returned to action too on Tuesday night after being out with a serious knee injury, so how pleased was the Spanish boss at seeing his compatriot's return and how much have they missed him?

    We'll find out later this lunchtime.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  17. Man City win record fourth PL2 titlepublished at 08:09 23 May

    Shamoon Hafez
    BBC Sport football news reporter at Joie Stadium

    Divin MubamaImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City's elite development squad won the Premier League 2 title for a record fourth time with a 2-0 victory over Southampton.

    Ben Wilkinson's side came top of the league phase and emerged through the play-offs to lift the trophy at Joie Stadium on Thursday evening.

    First-half goals from Divin Mubama and Ashton Muir gave City a comfortable victory, keeping the Saints in check for the majority of the contest.

    The squad received a message from first-team manager Pep Guardiola, who said: "To win the Premier League title is such a tough thing to achieve and a matter of huge pride for us all at the club.

    "The manner of their victory showed how talented our young players are and also proved that they play with courage and personality too.

    "We see how strong the academy is every single day, and the quality is there every single time the young players train with us."

  18. How will top five race finish? Fans' predictionpublished at 18:27 22 May

    Who will qualify graphic with clubs in this order:
Man City
Newcastle
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Nottm Forest

    The final day of the 2024-25 Premier League is edging closer, which means we will soon know the answer to who will make up the remaining Champions League spots.

    Five teams are in contention for the final three positions and earlier on Thursday, we asked you to put in order where you thought those clubs would finish.

    The results showed Chelsea and Nottingham Forest - who face each other at the City Ground - are who you believe will be the sides to miss out.

    However it pans out, it is set to be an afternoon of high tension.

  19. The two current options facing De Bruynepublished at 18:15 22 May

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Kevin de BruyneImage source, PA Media

    Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has been left with a simple choice that pits two very different options against each other.

    One choice is Chicago Fire, who have offered him a competitive package. That route offers chance to be their flagship talent and at a time when the Club World Cup and World Cup are coming to the United States.

    Owner Joe Mansueto has personally pitched to the Belgium international and is keen to offer the move to Major League Soccer (MLS) as a bridge to mentoring him for an entrepreneurial post-playing career in the business world.

    Chicago Fire have taken Inter Miami's option to sign him on a 'discovery list', meaning no other US club can sign him without paying a fee to the Illinois club.

    When De Bruyne made his farewell speech at City on Tuesday, he said his wife and sons will be considered as part of his decision-making and Chicago is seen as an attractive offer in terms of lifestyle.

    That is a reason why a move to Saudi Arabia is not being explored.

    On the flipside, title-chasing Serie A side Napoli are the strongest option in Europe, more so than any English club at this stage.

    Managed by former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, Napoli present the best option to challenge for titles and continue playing in the Champions League, but Naples is known to be an intense environment both on and off the field.

    It is a difficult choice as De Bruyne still considers capable of performing at the highest level, which is why privately there is disappointment that Manchester City never offered him a contract extension.

    De Bruyne says his kids are "Manc" and described the City as "home" in his farewell speech, but that option was never on the table.

    He will make his final decision after the Premier League season with City ends on Sunday so there is time for new suitors to offer him a contract.

    However, time is also running out for them to enter the fray.