In the short term, with Kevin De Bruyne injured, it is down to Bernardo to make City tick, which he did against Eddie Howe’s team. Last summer he eventually signed a new contract but his future looked uncertain at the time. This season interest has not gone away but he is playing a key part in the Treble defence.
“Everybody loves him and we want him,” said Guardiola. “It is important he stays with us. Kevin will be back soon, but when you see the schedule – Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Real Madrid – it’s really tough, and we need everyone. I said many times how important Bernardo is.”
Guardiola quickly shuts down talk of the Treble when it is brought up, yet retaining the three trophies of last season is a genuine prospect. He certainly cannot be accused of being a manager who neglects the FA Cup. While others concentrate on the Premier League, Guardiola has reached the semi-finals with regularity during his time in English football. During his eight seasons here, he has been there on seven occasions.
“Always we expect the best for the team,” said Guardiola. “We won the Treble, five titles, and to be in contention means a lot. To [be in contention to] win four Premier Leagues in a row – this club has something special. It’s incredible. Of course we want to win all the FA Cups, for the quality of the opponents and the schedule we have, to arrive against these teams is so difficult, but we are there.”
Newcastle, by contrast, will have to wait to add to their last cup triumph in 1969 when they won the Fairs Cup. The 55 years of hurt goes on and this season is in danger of petering out after the excitement of Champions League fixtures. Now they have to put a run of games together and hope Uefa’s coefficient rules allow them to qualify for a tournament next season.
“I don’t think we can feel sorry for ourselves,” said Newcastle manager Howe. “This season could have ended very differently. The big moments have gone against us, but we have to come back.
“It is a good time to have the international break and then focus on the 10 games we have left. There is a huge amount to play for. People say our season is over, but that is nonsense.”
