Pep Guardiola has talked up Newcastle United's chances of getting into the Champions League next season.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has described the Magpies as "a contender" to get into Europe's elite competition next term. Newcastle drew 3-3 with Man City at the start of the campaign and Guardiola stated he was impressed back in August.
In new praise for the Magpies, Guardiola said: "Phewww, they are a contender, a contender to be there. "The manager is Eddie Howe and you know how good he is. With the new players that come and the way they play, brave."
READ MORE: Eddie Howe pinpoints 'underestimated' Callum Wilson moment amid Newcastle star's World Cup chances
Man City beat Leicester 1-0 this weekend but Guardiola knows there is intense rivalry for the title and top four.
The City chief added: "There will be a lot of teams fighting for the Champions League, fighting for the title. Look now, Newcastle is another part of this, is already there. I saw them last weekend against Tottenham.
"I see the physicality we faced, we played them [Newcastle United] in the third game of the season. Imagine this team Newcastle with one game a week, with no European competition?"
READ NEXT
The huge Allan Saint-Maximin boost for Newcastle United ahead of Aston Villa clash
What Jamaal Lascelles did after Tottenham game underlines massive Newcastle transfer advantage
Newcastle have already found one of the best players that Allan Saint-Maximin has ever seen
Sven Botman issues scary Premier League warning amid verdict on facing Harry Kane and Son Heung-min
Newcastle United to issue 'hands off' stance on Bruno Guimaraes amid Chelsea and Real Madrid talk
