Pep Guardiola would have been delighted with Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League.
However, there was clearly something else playing on his mind.
Manchester City haven’t been anywhere near their brilliant best this season, and Pep Guardiola has been left scratching his head on numerous occasions…literally.
The win over Newcastle was very different though. The performance was an encouraging reminder of times gone by, with hat-trick hero Omar Marmoush stealing the show.
Now Pep and his players have to replicate the levels that were on display against the Magpies for the remainder of the season.
The home crowd will have a vital part to play as well.
What Pep Guardiola did during Manchester City vs Newcastle
The Manchester City boss is always incredibly animated on the touchline.
But today, he directed his emotions towards the Etihad crowd.
The BBC’s chief football writer Simon Stone was in attendance for the thrilling 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
And he took to his X account to highlight how Pep was trying hard to encourage the City fans to make some serious noise:
Perhaps it’s just a case of too much success ruining the atmosphere at The Etihad.
Maybe the Man City fans are just too expectant now.
If that is indeed the case, then the Etihad faithful need to realise that the team need them more than ever now.
Manchester City need the fans badly now
Gone are the days of seamless domination. Pep and his players have a real fight on their hands if they are to finish inside the top four this season.
The Man City players really need the fans need to get behind the team now.
If there is a way of getting the fans more involved at The Etihad, it would be beneficial to everyone connected with the club.
The results over the next few months will define City’s short-term future.
The atmosphere has never been great at The Etihad, and certainly not in the same league as the one created at Maine Road.
Now the onus is on every single fan to make a difference.
The fact that Pep Guardiola had to try and spark the Manchester City fans into life during the 4-0 win over Newcastle says it all really doesn’t it.
