This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed confidence in Newcastle United's ability to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.
Speaking ahead of City's trip to St James' Park on Saturday, Guardiola praised the Magpies' physical strength and fast-paced attacking play, which he noted is similar to the team's structure under former manager Rafa Benitez.
Guardiola's comments come after Newcastle earned wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, and currently sit 14th in the standings, five points above the relegation zone.
City, meanwhile, are third in the league, nine points behind leaders Liverpool and a point behind Leicester City, but Guardiola has downplayed the title race, saying his focus is on getting past Leicester and then Liverpool.
Guardiola also dodged a question on whether his assistant, Mikel Arteta, is a candidate for the Arsenal job after the London club sacked manager Unai Emery on Friday.
Guardiola expressed sympathy for Emery, describing him as an 'incredible professional' who will find another job soon.
