Pep Guardiola begs Man City fans to fill the Etihad for game against Newcastle

Pep Guardiola has pleaded with Manchester City fans to fill the Etihad against Newcastle United in their first home game of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Man City host Newcastle on Saturday fresh off winning the Super Cup after beating Sevilla 5-4 on penalties.

The Blues opened their league campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Vincent Kompany's Burnley as they look to make it two league wins in two matches against Eddie Howe's side.

And ahead of their meeting with the Magpies, Guardiola has begged Man City fans to fill the Etihad, claiming they need them 'more than ever'.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: "We need our people [Man City fans] more, more, more than ever!

"Tomorrow hopefully we will have the stadium full [vs. Newcastle]. Stay with us please, because we are not in our best moment.

"Especially in our bad moment, please stay with us because we need the noise and support..."

Guardiola wants a full house for their test against Newcastle, who enjoyed a brilliant campaign last season as they secured a top four finish.

The St. James' Park outfit smashed Aston Villa 5-1 in their season opener, with the Man City boss insisting they are ready for the challenge that awaits them.

"Of course, we are ready [for Newcastle]. We are the team who everyone wants to beat," he added.

We need these type of challenges [like vs Newcastle]. We face difficulties with the injuries we have, the calendar... This is the challenge we have to take a step forward. We need that. That is what it is."