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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
David Hytner

Pep Guardiola has all the answers for critics but none for Julia Roberts snub

Pep Guardiola embraces Erling Haaland during Manchester City’s win over Leipzig after substituting the striker, who scored five times.
Pep Guardiola embraces Erling Haaland during Manchester City’s win over Leipzig after substituting the striker, who scored five times. Photograph: Molly Darlington/Reuters

For Pep Guardiola, it can often feel that there are more questions than answers, whirling and pounding inside his head; the critics lining up their pot shots, his best efforts never enough.

Can the Manchester City manager seriously start with four centre-halves? What about Bernardo Silva on the right wing rather than Riyad Mahrez or Phil Foden? How can he blend a subtle possession game with the imperative to involve Erling Haaland as much as possible and spring him forward quickly? And why did Julia Roberts visit José Mourinho and Manchester United in November 2016 rather than him and City?

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