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Articles by Sam Lee
Liverpool agree £120m Barcola deal, Al Hilal finalising Watkins transfer, Villa agree Jackson fee: Live transfer news updates
Liverpool agree £120m Barcola deal, Al Hilal finalising Watkins transfer, Villa agree Jackson fee: Live transfer news updates Follow live as the summer transfer window ticks into its final week. August 27, 2026 at 6:52 AM EDT Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Bradley Barcola from PSG.
Semenyo's stellar summer continues as Maresca's new-look Manchester City beat Atletico Madrid
Manchester City rounded off their pre-season tour of Asia with a 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in Seoul, South Korea. They trailed at half-time after Jorge Dominguez capitalised on some sloppy defending from a corner but Omar Marmoush converted two Antoine Semenyo crosses in quick succession after the break and Rayan Ait-Nouri added another at the death.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes and an iconic World Cup tackle
Where do you start with Argentina's 3-2 comeback victory against Egypt? It was a World Cup classic, a game that will be talked about for generations, with its dramatic goals, Lionel Messi's tears and more than a whiff of controversy that, as much as anything, will only add to its legend. Amid all that, one place you definitely would not start is with a tackle, but that does not mean it was not a vital moment. This was slap bang in the middle of the chaos, just 10 seconds into stoppage time.
How 'Wonderwall' became England's perfect World Cup anthem
I remember being in Nashville, Tennessee, with English colleagues in 2017, in one of the many bars with a live band playing. It is a magical city with such an identifiable culture, but the highlight for us was when the singer started belting out 'Wonderwall' by Oasis. "Today is gonna be the day that they're gonna throw it back to you." That song meant something to all of us. We had all listened to Oasis when it came out in the mid-1990s.
Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe: What makes them so good - and so different?
Although you would not put it past the organisers of this World Cup to include a 'Superstar Showdown' where the biggest names all play on the same day, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have been smashing in the goals in short succession thanks instead to delightful coincidence. After just two games each at this tournament, Messi has five goals, while Haaland and Mbappe have four apiece.
Aymeric Laporte interview: Falling out of favour with Guardiola and why European 'injustices' still hurt
Aymeric Laporte knows life was good at Manchester City. "Nostalgic," he says, when asked by The Athletic how he looks back on his five years at the club. "So much, so much. So much, so much. "When I see the players going to other teams and being with other people and they have not had that same success, I feel bad. I feel like, 'Ah… we should've been together until the end, no?' We deserved that.
Bernardo Silva is Man City's player of the season. He might be Pep Guardiola's favourite ever player
In a season when a new, young and raw Manchester City team gelled together to come within touching distance of a domestic treble that remains one of the rarest achievements in English football, the player of the season has to be the man who did the most to bring everything together. Some around Pep Guardiola believe Bernardo Silva could be his favourite ever player.
Pep Guardiola's long-serving fitness coach set to leave Man City: What does this mean for his future?
Manchester City fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura is set to leave the club at the end of the season. Buenaventura, 63, has worked closely with Pep Guardiola for more than 15 years, having joined the Barcelona staff in 2009, before moving to Bayern Munich and then City. Goalkeeper coach Xabi Mancisidor, who started working at City before Guardiola's arrival, is also set to leave the club this summer at the end of his contract.
Manchester City have backed Phil Foden. It probably wouldn't have happened for any other player
Phil Foden's new contract at Manchester City shows the club are backing their star academy graduate, possibly in a way that would not happen with anyone else. Not many players could struggle so visibly for two years then earn themselves a long extension and, seemingly, a pay rise, something negotiated by his City team-mate Erling Haaland's representative, Rafaela Pimenta.
Bag in a Barrel Build
Woodworking and winemaking go together in my cellar, so when I have the opportunity to combine the two, I jump at it. This story started with a gift from a good friend for helping him make some wine. For my time and effort, he thanked me with a beautiful 5-liter (1.3-gallon) oak barrel. I used the barrel for aging wine in for years and when I took it out of service, I couldn’t throw it away.
After three successive defeats
After Manchester City's 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday evening Bernardo Silva said that his side were "in a dark place," although Pep Guardiola did not agree. The City boss pointed out that his side had played very well for the most part, like they did when exiting the Carabao Cup at Tottenham last week.
Gyokeres upstages Haaland in Amorim's farewell home game
Manchester City were left stunned as they lost 4-1 away to Sporting Lisbon in Ruben Amorim's final home game before he becomes Manchester United head coach later this month. City started well and were in front after just four minutes, Phil Foden continuing his run of only scoring in Champions League games this season. The visitors then toyed with Amorim's side for much of the half, but their recent inability to keep a clean sheet reared its head once more.
There has come a time in each of the past few seasons when Pep Guardiola has uttered the words "we are in trouble" to describe an injury crisis in his Manchester City squad. This time, it has arrived sooner than ever, and despite it being something City have been able to live with in the past - they have won the Premier League title for four years in a row, after all - Guardiola says their current problems are the worst they have had.
Why Pep Guardiola needs Phil Foden to 'break the game' when opponents sit deep
It was slightly jarring at Wolves recently when Manchester City - via Josko Gvardiol - scored their seventh goal of the season from outside the penalty area, a number which at that point represented 25 per cent of the 20-team Premier League 's total for the 2024-25 campaign. And people generally love to see long-range goals.
Rodri is a deserved winner of the Ballon D'Or
Real Madrid may have set the tone - quite spectacularly - here but... Rodri winning the Ballon d'Or is really not controversial, is it? If Vinicius Junior had won the award, as Madrid had long expected, it would have been well deserved. And as Madrid argued on Monday, having decided not to attend the ceremony in Paris, there was a great argument for Dani Carvajal to win it as well.
There are quite a few Pep Guardiola memes, but one of the more prevalent is, well, him being nice about another manager. "He will have success," he said on Friday, when asked about under-pressure Southampton manager Russell Martin. "If you start to change your ideas, normally the players will notice and will know you're not a big believer. "The results are coming. They always have good moments - against Brentford, Man United in the first half an hour, Leicester.
Pep Guardiola says he does not yet know when Kevin De Bruyne will be back in action. On Tuesday, Guardiola said that the Belgian "doesn't feel completely fine" and when asked for an update ahead of City's Premier League meeting with Southampton on Saturday, he was unable to give any further details. "Of course I prefer to have all the squad because of the amount of games but it is what it is," he told reporters.
The unusual Manchester City tactic where a centre-back walks towards his own goal with the ball
He has previously described it as "taking a coffee" and it is an approach that does not always thrill the City fans, some of whom would prefer a bit more cut and thrust: more risks, a bit more action. That is not in Guardiola's thinking at all, though, to the extent that when he suggested an alternative, albeit one he seemingly hated the sound of, it was nothing like putting the ball in the mixer more often. "The other option is to say, 'OK, you don't come? I don't come'," he said at Molineux.
Who should win the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or
The Athletic has launched a series of sports debates in which two writers break down a specific topic. In this edition, Sam Lee and Guillermo Rai discuss whether Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri or Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Junior should win the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or. The winner of the men's Ballon d'Or will be announced on Monday.
Manchester City 5 Sparta Prague 0
Haaland's first goal was a spectacular acrobatic backheel that ranks among the best strikes in his sizeable collection and Stones' header marked the first time in the 30-year-old's career that he has scored in back-to-back games. Here, Sam Lee analyses the key talking points from the match at the Etihad Stadium. How on earth did Haaland manage that?
Manchester City without injured Jack Grealish out for at least a week, Jeremy Doku 'a little longer'
Both players were absent from City's squad for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Sparta Prague with the club explaining the pair are not fully fit. Guardiola explained they both sustained injuries during Sunday's Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, a game that Doku started and played 66 minutes, while Grealish featured for 17 minutes from the bench. "Injury, both," Guardiola told TNT Sports when asked about the pair's whereabouts.
Pep Guardiola says he has 'never been so angry' after John Stones, Kyle Walker injured for England
Pep Guardiola says he had "never been so angry" after John Stones and Kyle Walker returned from England duty injured during last season's domestic run-in. Stones, 30, had revealed during the most recent international break that staff at Manchester City get "upset, angry and frustrated" when players return from their countries with injuries.
'Superstar' sporting director, killer negotiator, Manchester City's future Original
There are a couple of obvious starting points for any assessment of Hugo Viana and the job he has done as sporting director at Sporting Lisbon. One is the club's on-field record since he took that job in 2018. Sporting had won just four trophies - and no league titles - in the previous 16 seasons. They have since claimed six pieces of silverware, including two Portuguese championships, fracturing the longstanding Benfica-Porto duopoly.
Understanding why Manchester City are playing as they are
"I'm sorry to disagree but I thought we played really, really good," he said at one point, before explaining how difficult Wolves made the game by packing their box with defenders and breaking with pace. "That's why I have the opinion that it's an excellent performance," he closed. But there were other times when he acknowledged that City were "close to 0-2" and that "today, we were close to drawing and we were lucky to win the game". There is probably a bit of truth in it all.
Wolves 1 Manchester City 2
City had huffed and puffed at Molineux and, until the fifth minute of added time, they had struggled to fine a away to blow away Wolves - that was until England defender Stone powered home a header from a corner at the death. Pep Guardiola's side endured a frustrating afternoon in the West Midlands and looked certain to have to settle for a point.
Manchester City have a specific defensive flaw
The thing with Manchester City is that everybody seems to have learned not to worry too much about any dips in form. Whether you are a fan of the club or one of their rivals for the Premier League title, City have proven that they smooth things out sooner or later.
Pep Guardiola refuses to confirm FA approach over becoming England head coach
Pep Guardiola has refused to confirm an approach from the Football Association (FA) about him becoming England head coach. Thomas Tuchel was appointed as England manager this week and The Athletic reported Guardiola was the FA's top choice to replace Gareth Southgate, while admiration for the Catalan remains. "Thomas Tuchel is the manager so I congratulate him and the FA for a big job," he said.
Inside Manchester City's behind the scenes changes Original
Things moved quickly in Manchester City 's world during the October international break. Within days of it being revealed by The Athletic that director of football Txiki Begiristain would step aside at the end of the season, the club confirmed that Hugo Viana will be coming in to replace him. The bigger implication, though, appeared to be what it meant for manager Pep Guardiola's future, especially given a flurry of links to the vacant England job at the start of the week.
Advantage Amorim? How Hugo Viana appointment might influence City's Guardiola succession-planning
Life at Manchester City is generally pretty calm, but this week's events could be a sign that times are changing. Monday brought the much-disputed outcome of City's associated party transaction legal challenge to the Premier League, Tuesday the news that Txiki Begiristain is to step away from his role as director of football at the end of this season and now it has been revealed that Hugo Viana will leave Sporting Lisbon to replace him.
Manchester City to hire Sporting Lisbon's Hugo Viana to replace Txiki Begiristain as sporting director
Manchester City are set to hire Sporting Lisbon's Hugo Viana to replace the outgoing Txiki Begiristain as their new sporting director. Begiristain, who has been a pivotal figure in City's success since his arrival in 2012, had initially planned to step back when he turned 55 but was so invested in the club's project and working alongside manager and friend Pep Guardiola that he extended that to his 60th birthday.
The story behind the best-selling Noel Gallagher-designed kit
What do you get when you combine Manchester City and the Oasis reunion? Well, arguably the most popular City shirt of all time. When Pep Guardiola's side kicked off their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium a fortnight ago, they did so wearing their new 'Definitely City' kit, designed by Oasis' Noel Gallagher, a lifelong City fan.
The Manchester City APT verdict hasn't changed anyone's mind
The thing that everybody has in common when it comes to legal battles between Manchester City and the Premier League is a desire for a line to be drawn under it all. There are extremely polarised views over the 115 charges: City's rivals may want them "wiped from the face of the Earth", as Pep Guardiola put it recently, whereas the club are hoping for, possibly expecting, a huge victory. Everybody wants to know which of the two outcomes it will be.
With Txiki Begiristain leaving Man City, what might that mean for Pep Guardiola's future?
Txiki Begiristain's impact and legacy at Manchester City deserves endless credit and analysis but, in the current climate, his impending departure probably elicits one immediate thought. Does that mean Pep Guardiola is leaving as well? Well, that was the plan a few months ago, yes. Begiristain's departure has been long planned. It was even discussed in the middle of the treble year and, essentially, he has been looking forward to some form of retirement for a while now.
Manchester City accuse Premier League of being 'misleading', warn of further legal action in APT case
Manchester City have accused the Premier League of being "misleading" following the fallout from a ruling on the league's regulations on Associated Party Transactions (APT). In a letter sent to the other 19 teams and the Premier League, City also say there could be further legal action taken if amendments to the APT rules are rushed through.
City fans' banner urges Guardiola to stay next season... but there are pressing issues too
The Manchester City fans spelt out their wishes ahead of Saturday's game against Fulham: "Pep Guardiola, we want you to stay," a banner hoisted from the south stand read. It had been designed by the 1894 Group, with more than £1,000 ($1,300) raised with help from the 93:20 podcast. Not only did it convey exactly what every supporter wants, it did it in Catalan: "Pep Guardiola, volem que et quedis".
Kovacic, Doku seal win after Fulham's fast breaks
The Croatian struck either side of half-time after Andreas Pereira had given the visitors a shock lead following a sensational backheel assist from Raul Jimenez in the 26th minute. Jeremy Doku, who came on for Jack Grealish with half an hour to play, scored with a venomous strike in the 82nd minute before Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back with two minutes to play. Here, Sam Lee breaks down the key talking points from the match.
Premier League rejected Manchester City, Chelsea request to start next season later due to Club World Cup
Both clubs will be involved in the inaugural Fifa Club World Cup, which is due to take place in the United States between June 15 and July 13. City made a request to the league to allow them more time for their players to recover and, although there is yet to be a formal decision, the club do not expect the decision to go their way.
Can Matheus Nunes play a bigger role for Manchester City this season?
Matheus Nunes was in the headlines on Wednesday morning following Manchester City 's 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava, but not for taking advantage of weaker opposition to stake a claim for a more regular starting role under Pep Guardiola. No, he had reportedly been arrested in Madrid last month for stealing a mobile phone from somebody trying to take a picture of him in the bathroom of a club.
Man City's Phil Foden 'back at it' after disjointed start to the season
"I'm feeling OK now, back at it," Phil Foden told TNT Sports after helping Manchester City to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava, his best performance of the season so far. There will be several City players, Foden among them, who could do with the game in Slovakia serving as a sort of express version of last December's Club World Cup, which ignited their campaign.
Doku's end product, a record equalled and 28 shots
The match was as good as over inside 15 minutes. Ilkay Gundogan gave them an eighth-minute lead before Phil Foden, restored to the starting line-up, added the second. It will remain a mystery how it was only 2-0 at half-time, with the woodwork struck three times and Pep Guardiola's side recording 14 shots in the first period. City were wasteful after the break before Erling Haaland added a third in the 58th minute and substitute James McAtee made it four 16 minutes from time.
How did Manchester City cope without 'irreplaceable' Rodri?
"When we lose again it will not be specifically because of Rodri," Pep Guardiola said on Friday, predicting the sort of conclusions that would be drawn whenever Manchester City dropped points. But more than a message for fans and pundits, the City manager had a message for his players. "Everyone has to make a step forward," he said.
Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City
Saturday's early kick-off in the Premier League saw both teams have to battle on without hugely important players. So how did the two teams try and plug the gap? The Athletic 's Chris Waugh, Sam Lee and Mark Carey assess the key elements of the game... City need more non-Haaland goals Heading into this match, Erling Haaland had scored 76 per cent of City's league goals this season.
Pep Guardiola invites Mikel Arteta to explain cryptic Manchester City comments in wake of ill-tempered draw
Pep Guardiola has invited Mikel Arteta to explain his comment about being at Manchester City for four years and therefore knowing what happens at the club. The fall-out from Sunday's ill-tempered 2-2 draw between City and Arsenal has continued throughout the week, with Arteta asked on Wednesday for his thoughts on several of Guardiola's players criticising the north London side's approach. Having replied, "I have been there before.
Who do our writers think will start in Gameweek 6?
As we approach another weekend of action in the Premier League, our writers have had a go at predicting the line-ups for the upcoming matches. Some teams may be easier than others and it is worth having sympathy with our Manchester City writer trying to predict a Pep Guardiola starting XI. There could be late changes or injuries before the games kick off, but our staff have predicted these line-ups given the information available at the time of writing.
Manchester City without Kevin De Bruyne for Newcastle game as Rodri undergoes ACL surgery
De Bruyne missed last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal due to an injury sustained against Inter Milan and was also left out of the heavily rotated squad which beat Watford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Manager Pep Guardiola also confirmed on Friday that fellow midfielder Rodri has undergone surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee and is not expected to return for nine months.
'He will be out for a long time'
Pep Guardiola says Rodri will likely be out for a "long time" but explained Manchester City are still waiting on a definitive prognosis and time frame on his injury, which is expected in the coming days. The Athletic reported on Monday that Rodri was to be sidelined for a significant period with fears he may miss the rest of the season. The midfielder sustained the injury while marking Thomas Partey at a corner during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Coping without Rodri will be the ultimate test of Pep Guardiola's problem-solving
As yet, there has been no official confirmation from Manchester City of Rodri 's season-ending injury, but if there was, it would probably read something like this: "This is the one thing we didn't want to happen." Rodri is, without doubt, City's most important player and one of the best on the planet at the moment. City fans have known his value for years and his global recognition rocketed during the summer thanks to the part he played in Spain's European Championship victory.
Rodri injury may be the most significant moment for Man City in a match of a million things
There were handbags from start to finish, from Kai Havertz giving Rodri a Richard Ashcroft shoulder-barge in the first five seconds to Erling Haaland celebratorily donking the ball off the back of Gabriel's head as the clock ticked well into the 98th minute, with John Stones having nicked the equaliser that never looked like coming.
Man City 2 Arsenal 2
The game was packed with needle and was finished off with a John Stones goal in stoppage time. Erling Haaland got his 100th goal for City before a quick free kick (more on that below) from Arsenal led to a Riccardo Calafiori equaliser and Gabriel scored from a set piece again for Arsenal. Leandro Trossard was then sent off for a second yellow card for kicking the ball away just before half-time.
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