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Pep's Focus Is On Growth, Not Trophies

Jan 13, 2026

Man City boss Pep Guardiola says for now, his main priority is the growth and development of his squad.  

He believes this is more important than winning titles this season, after missing out on major trophies in the last campaign.  

Guardiola is currently overseeing a rebuild of his team, after several key players left last summer. 

Meanwhile, City will travel to defending champions Newcastle tomorrow morning, for the first leg of their EFL Cup semifinal. 

John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Dias, and Bobb are out injured, but Phil Foden should return after being rested at the weekend.  

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Man United legend Wayne Rooney is open to joining the club's coaching setup if Michael Carrick becomes their interim manager.  

He reckons that Carrick would be a good fit for the role, and as he'd help restore the spirit of the club that's been missing since Alex Ferguson retired.  

Carrick is reportedly the favourite to become interim boss following Ruben Amorim's sacking.  

Previously, Carrick had a short stint as caretaker manager after the firing of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021. 

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Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai has apologised for his mistake in their 4-1 FA Cup 3rd round win over Barnsley, that gifted the opponents their only goal.  

The player was criticised for the lazy backheel pass - the Barnsley manager described it as disrespectful, while Reds boss Arne Slot called it a 'weird choice’. 

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