Guardiola's Satisfaction Following Impressive Win
Manchester City’s assistant coach, Pep Linders, expressed the immense joy of head coach Pep Guardiola after their stunning 4-0 victory against Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Speaking to TNT Sports, Linders, who guided the team in Guardiola's absence due to a disciplinary suspension, emphasized, "Guardiola is extremely happy, and that is the most important thing, as satisfying him is not an easy task." The Dutch coach elaborated on the match, noting that while the team showcased a solid performance, they were somewhat vulnerable in the first 25 minutes. However, they gained control as the match progressed, creating numerous opportunities and ultimately securing a well-deserved win.
Post-match, Linders shared his thoughts with the players, highlighting Guardiola's praise for those who did not participate in the match. He noted, "He was very pleased because reaching the semi-finals for eight consecutive seasons remains a remarkable achievement." As the season enters its crucial final stages, Linders noted that the players are well aware of the significance of this period. He also took a moment to commend Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who scored a remarkable hat-trick against Liverpool, stating, "It was an incredible hat-trick; he scored with a stunning header that delighted both me and the fans." In reflecting on their upcoming return to Wembley, following their League Cup victory over Arsenal, Linders concluded, "We need to prove ourselves. A challenging opponent awaits us, but the atmosphere at Wembley is always special, and we are thrilled for our fans."
Oscar's Retirement and Bayern’s Confidence in Kane
On a different note, former Brazilian international midfielder Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior announced his retirement at the age of 34 due to heart issues. Oscar, who formerly played for Chelsea, made the announcement through his club, Sao Paulo. He had been out of action since late 2025 and was hospitalized for five days in November after fainting during a routine medical examination. Diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, his condition resulted in a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, forcing him to end his career prior to the expiration of his contract with Sao Paulo in 2027. In a statement, Oscar remarked, "I conclude my career here at Sao Paulo, a journey that has taken me across the globe." Over his career, he recorded 136 goals and provided 203 assists in 556 matches across various competitions, representing Brazil 48 times and scoring 12 goals, including participation in the 2014 World Cup.
In other sports news, Bayern Munich, the leaders of the German Bundesliga, are optimistic about the return of their English striker Harry Kane from an ankle injury, just in time for their clash against Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Kane missed Bayern's thrilling 3-2 victory over Freiburg but is expected to be fit for the crucial match. Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, confirmed that physiotherapists are actively working on Kane's recovery, stating, "He consistently comes to the training ground for treatment, and we are confident he will recover." Moreover, Kane’s teammate, Joshua Kimmich, expressed his belief that Kane would be ready to play, emphasizing his determination. As Bayern approaches the conclusion of the Bundesliga title race and their place in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, Kane's contributions, having scored 48 goals this season, are seen as vital for the team's ambitions in Europe.
As reported by aawsat.com.
