What Pep Guardiola told Eddie Howe at full-time as Man City boss shows his respect for Newcastle United

Pep Guardiola has revealed what he said to Eddie Howe at the final whistle – as Manchester City and Newcastle United played out a 1-1 draw

The two bosses engaged in a long conversation at the full-time with Howe the happier of the pair after Anthony Gordon’s penalty cancelled out Josko Gvardiol’s first-half opener.

While Guardiola was ultimately left disappointed with his side’s failure to claim maximum points having taken the lead, he was keen to show his respect for Howe – and the Magpies, praising their style of play and players.

The Spaniard said: “Many years I have been here and he has been here as well. I said to him that I admire him and the way he approached the game They press high and they are a team that is so direct. They have a lot of legs with Murphy – Isak usually – Gordon, Barnes.

“We controlled them very well in most parts of the game, especially when we played so high. Bruno, Joelinton – their physicality, and Tonali, and the central defenders are so high – it is such a difficult team. Last season Newcastle struggled for just one reason… a lot of injuries otherwise the team competed really well.

“When you are a manager for many years, you are always polite in the press conference for the opponent like we try to do as a club. I admit we would like to win but we draw which they deserved as well. We take the point.”

Meanwhile, Howe said: “Pep is really good for the English and British game. He’s an innovator and very good at what he does, arguably the best ever that we’ve seen here, and I think he’s taken the game to another level that’s why it is so good for us all to go up against him and try and find solutions.

“I thought it was a really good game today, I thought it was really interesting tactically. It’s our best display of the season, no doubt about that from me – with and without the ball, and probably the most competitive we’ve been against Manchester City as well. Really good signs for us.”