‘Don’t believe’ – Newcastle boss has message for Man City’s Pep Guardiola

Eddie Howe has been speaking ahead of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup third-round clash against Manchester City.  

Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening (KO 8pm).

This week, City boss Guardiola suggested he will be making significant changes to his side as he manages a number of injury concerns.

“Carabao Cup is perfect when you are in the beginning of the season because the games at the beginning of the season you have all the squad, deep squad, for the guys that don’t play regularly, they have to play the minutes. That’s perfect.”

City will be without Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and the suspended Rodri. Guardiola has also ruled out Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias.

“We have a lot of injuries,” Guardiola added. “I’m not going to waste one percent of energy for Carabao Cup, like Kyle Walker for example, like Ruben, who have played 90 minutes for the national team, 90 minutes, because they are exhausted already. And we cannot lose it.”

What did the Newcastle United boss say?

Howe believes Guardiola will take the competition seriously.

Howe said: “I haven’t seen them so you’re telling me about those comments. But I don’t believe that for a second.

“Because Pep is a manager who has won so much and he hasn’t done that without giving everything to every moment to try and achieve that success. I’ve no doubt we will see the best Manchester City tomorrow.”