During the FA Cup press conference, Guardiola was asked about the topic and was very critical of the prices. “A long, long time ago the World Cup was a celebration of the joy of soccer. Everyone would travel to watch their country. But now we are in modern times, it has become so expensive,” Guardiola said.

Guardiola closed his reflection with a strong statement about the spirit that, according to him, should not be lost in soccer. “Soccer is for the fans.” The message once again puts on the table a discussion that is becoming more frequent: the commercial growth of soccer and the difficulty many supporters have in accessing major international events.

Prices reported by FIFA

FIFA set prices such as $400 for a general ticket in Austria vs Algeria at Arrowhead in Kansas City, $1600 for Brazil vs Morocco at MetLife in New Jersey, and more than $2700 for the United States debut. VIP passes range from $15000 to $25000. Finals in resale surpass 2 million.

Very high prices that, in some cases, do not provide enough motivation to attend, especially when having to pay inflated costs, and even more so in resale markets handled by third parties, which are understood to be much more expensive than official platforms.

The balance between profitability and popular access

Despite his firm criticism of the current pricing system, Guardiola acknowledged the financial reality surrounding events of this magnitude. The coach admitted that corporate involvement is necessary for the logistical viability of tournaments, but insisted that economic interests should not outweigh the people.

“Obviously, you have to think about sponsors and all those things because otherwise it would not be sustainable. But the fans are the key reason why this business can continue to function,” the coach concluded.

In the end, Pep Guardiola‘s team gained the upper hand, reducing the gap with Mikel Arteta‘s side in the Premier League standings.

Thanks to their 2-1 win, Manchester City (67) are now just three points shy of leaders Arsenal (70) with a game in hand, which means the Citizens can tie the Gunners on points if they win their pending league fixture.

Here’s how things stand in the 2025-26 Premier League after today’s game:

Arsenal’s schedule: What’s next for them in the Premier League?

While Arsenal are also alive in the UEFA Champions League (they will face Atletico Madrid in the semifinals), the Gunners have five games left in the 2025-26 Premier League season:

• Newcastle (home) – April 25
• Fulham (home) – May 2
• West Ham (away) – May 10
• Burnley (home) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (away) – May 24

Manchester City’s remaining Premier League fixtures

Unlike Arsenal, Manchester City are no longer in UEFA Champions League contention but they do have the chance to lift the FA Cup, facing Southampton (who knocked Arsenal out) in the semifinals.

In Premier League action, Pep Guardiola’s men have six fixtures left this term, one more than Arsenal:

• Burnley (away) – April 22
• Everton (away) – May 4
• Brentford (home) – May 9
• Bournemouth (away) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (home) – TBD
• Aston Villa (home) – May 24

Pep Guardiola’s men head into this massive clash in high spirits, having avoided defeat in their last nine Premier League games. Manchester City haven’t lost in league play since their derby defeat to Manchester United in January.

Mikel Arteta’s side, on the other hand, arrives on Matchday 33 with pressure on its shoulders and a point to prove. Last time out, Arsenal were shocked by Bournemouth at home, which boosted the Citizens‘ confidence. Additionally, Man City beat Arsenal in the EFL Cup final in March. Will the Gunners redeem themselves today?

What happens if Arsenal beat Manchester City today?

If Arsenal beat Manchester City today, they will reach 73 points and provisionally extend their lead over the Sky Blues to nine points. Guardiola’s team would remain second in the Premier League table with 64 points, but with a game in hand.

What happens if Arsenal and Manchester City tie today?

A tie between Arsenal and Manchester City would leave the Premier League title race wide open, as the Gunners would remain six points clear of the Citizens but with one more game played.

What happens if Arsenal lose to Manchester City today?

If Arsenal lose to Manchester City today, Guardiola‘s men would reduce the gap with the London club to only three points and with a game in hand. This would leave the Sky Blues in a strong position, as they would tie the Gunners in points if they win their pending league fixture.

A defeat would be the worst possible scenario for Arteta‘s side today, as it could see its title hopes seriously in danger after leading the standings for much of the 2025-26 campaign.

Guardiola commented on the alleged racist insults directed at Vinicius Jr during the match against Benfica, emphasizing that racism extends far beyond soccer. Speaking at a Friday press conference, the Manchester City coach stated that racism exists throughout society and must be addressed at its roots. He was later asked whether the sport has sufficient tools to combat discriminatory behavior.

“Your skin color or where you were born does not make you better than anyone,” Guardiola said. “There is still a lot of work to do. Racism is in society, not only in soccer.” His remarks reflected a broader concern about systemic issues that extend beyond stadiums and competitions.

Guardiola also stressed the importance of education in preventing discrimination. He argued that teachers and doctors should receive greater investment and recognition, suggesting that long-term solutions begin in schools rather than solely through disciplinary action in sports. The Spanish manager reiterated that societal change requires structural commitment.

How the case is being resolved

There remains the possibility that the incident did not involve racist language. Prestianni reportedly provided his account to UEFA, stating that he used an anti gay slur in Spanish rather than a racial insult. UEFA continued its formal investigation, reviewing testimony and match evidence before reaching any conclusions.

This distinction created two separate concerns. While the reported language may not constitute racial abuse, it could still qualify as discriminatory conduct under UEFA regulations and lead to disciplinary action. As of now, the governing body has not announced a final decision or outlined potential sanctions.

In the meantime, no official ruling has been issued regarding Prestianni’s status. Benfica decided that Prestianni would travel for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid.

In a recent interview with ESPN, the Argentine star discussed several topics, but none stood out more than his admiration for Pep Guardiola as the greatest coach of all time. “For me, Guardiola is unique. There are many incredible coaches, but he has something different. To me, he is the best of all,” Messi told SportsCenter.

He continued: “When it comes to understanding the game, preparing matches, and communicating with his players, he is complete. He is the best, and we were lucky to have him in Barcelona. Everything came together—the players, the ideas—and the pieces fit perfectly to achieve everything we achieved.”

How Guardiola revolutionized Messi

Messi’s talent flourished under Guardiola during their years together at Barcelona (2008–2012). The historic tactical change at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid—when Guardiola moved Messi to a false nine role—altered the future of the club, the coach, and the player forever.

“He went elsewhere and kept winning,” Messi said, highlighting Guardiola’s influence beyond Spain. “Not just winning, but the way his teams play. He changed soccer in Germany with Bayern, even if he did not win the Champions League there. And he changed the way teams play in England with City.”

Messi also explained how their relationship developed and how he adapted to his new role. “From the beginning, we had a great relationship. Pep was very close; we talked a lot. I learned so much from him. I added new things to my game, how to move, how to read space. He was the one who put me as a false nine. In Barcelona’s academy, I played behind the striker. When I moved up, Rijkaard and Pep put me on the wing, a position I had never truly played before. But I kept growing and improving my game.”

What Messi and Pep accomplished together

The period Messi and Guardiola shared at FC Barcelona, from 2008 to 2012, is considered one of the most successful eras in soccer history, with the club capturing 14 major trophies. The highlight was the historic 2009 “sextuple,” in which the team won every competition available in a single calendar year: La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

Beyond that unprecedented feat, they won three additional La Liga titles (2009, 2010, 2011), two UEFA Champions League trophies (2009 and 2011), two Copa del Rey titles, two UEFA Super Cups, three Spanish Super Cups, and two Club World Cups, while establishing a global benchmark in style of play, famously known as tiki-taka.

Guardiola’s stints at three of the world’s most dominant clubs have given him the privilege of coaching an unprecedented lineup of elite talent. However, when asked about his current roster, he singled out one man above all: Rayan Cherki.

Speaking to the press ahead of the Champions League match against Villarreal, Pep did not mince words, delivering a sensational declaration. “He is one of the greatest talents I have seen in my career. Technically, individually he is the best,” Guardiola stated emphatically.

The sheer audacity of the statement lies in the context. Guardiola is the only manager to have coached a long list of all-time greats, including Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, and, most notably, Lionel Messi, whom many consider the sport’s GOAT.

The forward arrived in Manchester in mid-2025 after a €36.5 million move from Lyon. While City has not dominated the start of the season, the Frenchman is already producing flashes of brilliance as he adapts. Across 8 official matches (totaling only 201 minutes of play), Cherki has registered 2 goals and 1 assist.

Guardiola denies exit rumors

Manchester City have set the bar very high after winning six of the last eight Premier League titles contested, in addition to being crowned Champions League winners in 2023. However, last season was far from a title challenge, fueling rumors about a possible exit for Guardiola, who arrived in 2016.

In a press conference before the Premier League match against Everton, Guardiola addressed his future. “We have changed a lot in the last year or so, and still, the energy of the coaching staff and the new players is still there. At Barcelona and Bayern Munich, if I had a problem, I would have stepped aside. Here, I haven’t had that problem,” the Spaniard noted.

He also assured, “Right now, I still have the energy, and I think we can do better than last season. That is my goal…” Furthermore, he offered, “we are doing things better than last season, and in every game, we are a little better,” but that “there is room for improvement, and that gives me the energy that the job is not done. I still have things to do here, and that’s why I’m still here,” Guardiola concluded.

Haaland needed just 49 matches to hit the 50-goal milestone, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous mark of 62 games. For Guardiola, that kind of efficiency shows Haaland has everything it takes to eventually climb past both Messi and Ronaldo.

“At this rate, yes, he can break the record,” Guardiola said when asked about Ronaldo’s all-time mark. “He’s not injured, he can play for another 10–12 years, and if he keeps this up, he absolutely can catch up. What can I say? The numbers speak for themselves. We’re lucky to have him on the team”.

Cristiano Ronaldo currently tops the Champions League scoring list with 140 goals across his time with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. Messi is second with 129, all scored during his Barcelona career. With both legends no longer competing in Europe, the door appears open — and Guardiola is convinced Haaland is on track to walk through it.

Guardiola on Haaland’s 50 Champions League goals

Haaland’s latest milestone carries even more weight given how quickly he achieved it. The 25-year-old became the fastest player to hit 50 Champions League goals, reaching the mark in fewer games than any other player in history.

“Just to congratulate him, because to reach 50 goals so quickly and to be mentioned alongside Van Nistelrooy, Lewandowski, but above all alongside the two ‘monsters’ Cristiano and Messi, is incredible,” Guardiola said.

Champions League all-time top scorers

With his opening goal in City’s 2–0 win over Napoli, Haaland tied Thierry Henry for ninth place on the Champions League’s all-time scoring list at 50 goals. However, Haaland will have competition from Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe, who also remain among the top 10 scorers still active in Europe.

Thomas Muller is also on the list, but with his move to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps, a return to European competition seems unlikely — just like Karim Benzema, who doesn’t appear to be leaving Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

• 1- Cristiano Ronaldo — 140 goals
• 2- Lionel Messi — 129 goals
• 3- Robert Lewandowski — 105 goals
• 4- Karim Benzema — 90 goals
• 5- Raul Gonzalez — 71 goals
• 6- Kylian Mbappe — 57 goals
• 7- Thomas Muller — 57 goals
• 8- Ruud van Nistelrooy — 56 goals
• 9- Erling Haaland — 50 goals
• 10- Thierry Henry — 50 goals

In a recent press conference before Manchester City’s friendly match against Palermo, Pep Guardiola shared a surprising revelation about his top three NBA favorites: Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James. The inclusion of the seasoned veterans raised no eyebrows, but mentioning the young Lakers star, Doncic, caught the attention of many.

Despite not yet securing a championship or MVP award, Luka Doncic has rapidly gained recognition and become a worldwide favorite. Soon to complete eight years in the league, he has already etched his name within the Dallas Mavericks, celebrated as a city icon. Now, he leads the Los Angeles Lakers project, where in just half a season, he has inspired fans to anticipate an imminent championship.

Stephen Curry and LeBron James have catapulted themselves to the forefront of the NBA’s modern era. Both veterans have claimed four championships and shattered league records. Curry, the Warriors veteran, sits atop the leaderboard for the most three-pointers with 4,058. Meanwhile, LeBron James has scored the most points in league history, with 42,184. These accomplishments firmly establish both players in the GOAT debate, alongside Michael Jordan.

Not Warriors or Lakers: Man City HC Pep Guardiola reveals his favorite NBA team

Although Pep Guardiola expressed admiration for players from the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, the Manchester City head coach singled out another NBA franchise as his favorite. “I like Joe Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics. I love it. I know he extended his contract six more years with Boston… I am so happy for him,” he confessed in the press conference against Palermo.

Pep’s connection with the Boston Celtics goes beyond sports. In an appearance on the Men in Blazers podcast in February 2025, head coach Joe Mazzulla revealed their relationship has grown more personal, covering topics that extend beyond just sports into broader life discussions. Following their Game 5 championship victory, he even admitted that the Manchester City head coach provided guidance on player transitions and movement.

Pep Guardiola, who once again guided Manchester City through a dominant campaign, and Lionel Scaloni, the man behind Argentina’s historic World Cup victory, were both conspicuously left out of the five-man shortlist, prompting surprise across the soccer world.

While the selected candidates each had outstanding seasons, the omission of two of the sport’s most decorated managers has overshadowed the nominations themselves, raising questions about the criteria behind the selection process.

Who are the 2025 nominees?

The five nominated managers have each enjoyed a transformative year:

• Antonio Conte – Likely recognized for his immediate tactical impact at a new club.
• Luis Enrique – Guided Paris Saint-Germain to success in both Ligue 1 and Europe.
• Hansi Flick – Revived Barcelona with renewed energy and tactical clarity.
• Enzo Maresca – Oversaw a surprisingly strong season in his Chelsea debut.
• Arne Slot – Seamlessly transitioned into the Liverpool job after Klopp’s departure, maintaining competitive excellence.

Why were Guardiola and Scaloni left out?

The exclusion of Scaloni and Guardiola has led to widespread criticism of the award’s selection criteria. While Scaloni’s World Cup glory came in 2022, his continued work with Argentina and the enduring weight of that success made him a favorite in many eyes.

Meanwhile, Guardiola experienced a rare trophyless season with Manchester City, a notable departure from his typical dominance. While the club’s trophy case remained untouched, his unmatched managerial pedigree and innovative approach were still clearly on display throughout the campaign.

Their absence could signal a changing of the guard in how coaching excellence is rewarded—perhaps favoring immediate impact over long-term dominance.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will showcase not only the best teams but also some of the highest-paid coaching minds. Behind every tactical masterstroke lies a hefty paycheck that reflects experience and ambition on the global stage.

From seasoned veterans commanding multi-million-dollar contracts to rising stars making their mark, the tournament is as much a battle of wits as it is of skill. Salaries reveal the value clubs place on leadership in the pressure cooker.

While transfer fees and player salaries often steal headlines, coaching salaries at this elite level underscore soccer’s evolving economics. The event offers a rare glimpse into who commands the financial respect from the clubs they lead.

Borussia | Niko Kovač – €3,5 million

Niko Kovač brings a wealth of European coaching experience to Borussia Dortmund, reflected in his €3.5 million salary. Known for emphasizing discipline and structured tactics, he aims to develop Dortmund’s young talents while maintaining their competitive edge in the Bundesliga.

His pragmatic style balances defense and attack, helping Dortmund navigate the intense demands of top-flight German and European soccer. His steady leadership is integral as Dortmund pursues domestic titles and Champions League glory.

Palmeiras | Abel Ferreira – €4,7 million

Abel Ferreira has established himself as one of the most successful coaches in South American soccer, with a €4.7 million salary underscoring his achievements at Palmeiras. His leadership style focuses on aggressive, attacking soccer combined with tactical discipline.

His ability to motivate his squad and succeed in high-pressure matches has earned Palmeiras multiple titles domestically and continentally. His role is crucial as Palmeiras aims to make a global impact, especially in tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup.

Chelsea | Enzo Maresca – €4,8 million

Enzo Maresca, a rising coaching talent, has taken the reins at Chelsea with a focus on rebuilding and long-term growth. His €4.8 million salary rewards his tactical acumen and potential to restore Chelsea’s competitive edge in the Premier League and Europe.

His approach combines strategic discipline with encouraging flair among players, aiming to balance defensive solidity and creative attacking play. As a relatively new head coach at the top level, he faces the challenge of steering a club rich in history toward future success.

River Plate | Marcelo Gallardo – €6 million

Marcelo Gallardo stands out as one of South America’s most influential coaches, blending tactical creativity with motivational leadership. His €6 million salary reflects River Plate’s commitment to maintaining excellence on the continental and world stage. His tenure has been highlighted by multiple international titles and a consistent push for innovation.

His style emphasizes flexible tactics, promoting attacking soccer combined with strong defensive organization. His ability to develop young talent and maintain team cohesion makes River Plate a formidable force in any competition, including the FIFA Club World Cup.

Inter | Simone Inzaghi – €6,5 million

Simone Inzaghi’s coaching journey at Inter Milan is marked by steady progress and tactical adaptability. His €6.5 million salary acknowledges his role in guiding the team through Italy’s fiercely competitive Serie A landscape. He is praised for creating cohesive squads that play pragmatic yet attractive soccer.

His calm demeanor belies a fierce competitive spirit, which often pushes his teams to punch above their weight in high-stakes matches. His experience navigating both domestic and European challenges equips Inter Milan with a reliable and ambitious leader.

Bayern | Vincent Kompany – €8 million

Vincent Kompany’s leadership skills and defensive expertise have transitioned smoothly into his coaching role at Bayern Munich. His €8 million salary matches the club’s expectations for him to maintain their legacy of excellence. His focus on structure and resilience aligns well with Bayern’s traditional style of play.

Though still early in his managerial career, his ability to inspire players and foster a winning mentality has been evident. His mix of experience as a player and emerging coach allows him to balance tactical demands with man-management, aiming to keep Bayern dominant domestically and competitive in Europe.

Real Madrid | Xabi Alonso – €9 million

Transitioning from an illustrious playing career to management, Xabi Alonso has quickly made a name for himself as a thoughtful and innovative coach at Real Madrid. His €9 million salary is a reflection of the club’s faith in his potential to shape the team’s future and restore its winning tradition.

He emphasizes intelligent positioning and technical skill, traits that defined his own midfield play. His calm and analytical approach to the game signals a new era for Real Madrid, where youthful energy meets tactical discipline, setting the stage for continued success.

PSG | Luis Enrique – €10 million

Luis Enrique’s appointment at Paris Saint-Germain came with high expectations, and his €10 million salary speaks to the club’s trust in his proven coaching abilities.

Known for his success with Spain’s national team and Barcelona, he brings a blend of tactical flexibility and attacking flair, perfectly suited to managing PSG’s star-studded roster.

His coaching style encourages creativity and quick transitions, fitting the explosive talents on the squad. Although relatively new to PSG, his extensive experience at the highest levels of soccer equips him to handle the intense pressure and ambition surrounding the French giants.

Manchester City | Pep Guardiola – €22,5 million

Pep Guardiola is a soccer tactician whose influence has reshaped the modern game. With Manchester City, his €22.5 million salary matches his track record of success and innovation. His teams are renowned for their intricate passing, possession dominance, and high pressing, which have brought City multiple Premier League titles and a European trophy.

More than just a coach, he is a philosopher, continuously refining his tactics to stay ahead of opponents. His focus on developing young talent alongside world-class stars has created a balanced and dynamic squad, setting a high standard not only in England but across Europe.

Atletico Madrid | Diego Simeone – €34 million

Diego Simeone is synonymous with grit and determination, qualities that have elevated Atlético Madrid into a constant force in both La Liga and European competitions.

His intense, passionate leadership style creates a disciplined, well-organized team that thrives on resilience and tactical savvy. His €34 million salary reflects his status as one of the highest-valued coaches and underlines Atlético’s ambition to compete at the very top.

Under his guidance, Atlético has become known for a fierce defensive structure and a counter-attacking mindset that frustrates even the best opponents. His ability to build a winning mentality and extract the maximum from his players keeps his team competitive year after year, ensuring they’re a serious contender in any tournament they enter.

During a recent interview with DAZN, Guardiola was asked about Yamal and did not hesitate to praise him, placing special emphasis on his ability to read the flow of a match. “It’s surprising what everyone says, and it’s true: this kind of maturity usually comes at 24 or 25 years old,” the coach began.

“Sometimes it feels like a player with that much talent has to go all-in on every play, like every play has to be a three-pointer like (Stephen) Curry. No,” Pep explained. “He comes in and plays one-touch. ‘Now I rest for three minutes.’ Then he’s back, another one-touch. ‘Now I take a short dribble and pass it again. Now I’m going to win the game.’ That way of understanding the game is truly astonishing.”

Guardiola then spoke about how important it is for Barcelona to have a young player of Yamal’s caliber, especially just a few years after losing Messi. “The truth is that we’re very lucky Barça has found a kid with this kind of outlook… I’m not going to say like Leo,” Guardiola paused before reflecting.

“I’m so sorry but Leo… for me there will be no one, no one, no one in the world like the Argentine,” said Guardiola, who coached Messi between 2008 and 2012 during that legendary era that produced two Champions League titles. “It’s impossible.”

Guardiola witnessed Messi’s prime firsthand

Guardiola’s admiration for Lionel Messi is more than justified, given the path they shared early in their careers as coach and player. When Pep was appointed head coach of Barcelona in 2008, in what was his first experience at the elite level, one of his first moves was to part ways with Ronaldinho, who was then the team’s superstar, and hand the number 10 jersey to Leo, who at the time was just 21 years old.

That decision proved to be spot-on: by the end of that season, Barcelona had secured the treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League), and Messi won his first Ballon d’Or. Over the next three years, they continued to add trophies, ending their run together with 14 titles.

What was Messi doing at Yamal’s age?

Lamine Yamal will turn 18 on July 13, a remarkable fact considering he has already spent two full seasons as a regular part of Barcelona’s first team. At that same age, Messi’s career was far less developed: the forward was in his first professional season and had scored just one goal in nine appearances. He had also yet to debut for the Argentina national team.

By contrast, Yamal already has 106 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions, with 25 goals and 29 assists. In that time, he has played a key role in winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup. He has also featured in 20 matches for the Spanish national team, scoring six goals and providing eight assists, and was a decisive figure in their Euro 2024 title run.