'Impressive': Pep Guardiola once again praises Newcastle while delivering classy message to CEO

There are so few managers in the Premier League who have managed to go through their careers without getting the backs up of Newcastle United fans but Pep Guardiola is definitely one of them.

I can't think of a time when Pep Guardiola earned the wrath of the Toon Army. The Manchester City manager has always spoken well about the club and has always been gracious in victory and defeat.

Especially in the Eddie Howe era, the two teams have always managed to put on a show and Pep seems to really appreciate that about the Magpies.

In his pre-match press conference (h/t Newcastle World) Guardiola once again had nothing but good things to say about Newcastle.

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Pep Guardiola says Newcastle are one of their toughest opponents

Guardiola talked positively about St James' Park and the fans before going on to describe Eddie Howe's side as a 'strong' opponent.

“Newcastle are always impressive. Since Eddie (Howe) has been there, the team are one of the toughest, strongest opponents. Home and away, but especially away, the atmosphere in this marvellous stadium (helps them). We are going ready for the battle.”

Newcastle have always given City a game under Eddie Howe and we hope that continues tomorrow, hopefully with the result that swings in our favour for a change.

Pep took time to wish CEO Darren Eales well after his cancer diagnosis

Pep Guardiola even took the time to wish Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales well after the news this morning that he is fighting blood cancer and is set to step down from his role at the club.

“The first thing I want to say, (I’ve just found that) unfortunately, (Eales) has blood cancer. We wish him, on behalf of Man City and all of us here, the best in his recovery.

"I'm pretty sure he'll have the best doctors to take care of him and recover him with his family. Hopefully, he can go (pull) through because, in the end, this is the most important thing, being healthy.”