Pep Guardiola says he cares more about how Manchester City “grow up” than winning trophies as he prepares his side for the first leg of their League Cup semi-final away to Newcastle on Tuesday.

City ended last season without a major trophy for the first time in eight years, though they did lift the Community Shield at the start of the campaign, beating Manchester United on penalties.

Guardiola, asked at his pre-match press conference on Monday if he felt extra pressure after missing out on the big prizes last season, insisted he was not focused on silverware.

“It’s not about winning or not winning trophies, it’s about how the team grows up, how the team is better,” the City manager said.

“Last season we didn’t deserve to win more than just one trophy, because we didn’t play good. So satisfaction to win a trophy when we are not playing good, can happen, you know, knockout stages, (you can be) lucky.

“It’s not about that. Believe me, it’s not about that. We are here to make the team play better, the satisfaction is to make a good performance for ourselves, our fans.”

Real Madrid have confirmed that Xabi Alonso will no longer serve as head coach, with the club opting to part ways after their recent El-Clásico loss.

The announcement follows a dramatic Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Barcelona prevailed in a five-goal contest to secure consecutive titles at Real Madrid’s expense.

A day later, the Madrid hierarchy issued an official statement confirming Alonso’s exit, noting that the decision was mutually agreed.

“Real Madrid C. F. communicates that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as coach of the first team,” the statement read.

Alonso, a former midfield star for Los Blancos, was warmly acknowledged for his impact and enduring legacy at the club.

Real Madrid emphasized his status as an iconic figure who reflects the institution’s core principles.

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Real Madrid because he is a legend of Real Madrid and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home,” the club added.

In addition, Real Madrid extended its appreciation to Alonso’s backroom staff, commending their professionalism and dedication during their spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.

“Real Madrid thanks Xabi Alonso and all his technical team for their work and dedication throughout this time, and wishes them good luck in this new stage of their lives.”

The Confederation of African Football has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final clashes between Cameroon and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Nigeria.

The probe follows reports of confrontations with referees and disruptions in post-match areas.

According to a statement posted on CAF’s official website on Monday, the continental football governing body has collected match reports and video evidence suggesting potentially unacceptable behaviour and has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for further review.

“CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing.


“CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement read.

In the quarter-final fixtures over the weekend, Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech, with goals from star striker Victor Osimhen and forward Akor Adams propelling the Super Eagles into the semifinals.

However, the match ended in chaos as Algerian players confronted match officials on the pitch, leading to scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by fans that was thwarted by stadium security.

The Algerian Football Federation has since lodged a formal complaint with CAF.

They cited controversial refereeing decisions by Senegalese official Issa Sy, including a denied penalty for an alleged handball in the Nigerian box during the first half.

Separately, Morocco advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, but the match was also marred by refereeing disputes.

Cameroon’s team felt aggrieved over two potential penalties not awarded, both involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina.

Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, dismissed suggestions of home-team bias in a post-match press conference.

CAF stressed its commitment to maintaining professional conduct at all events.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.

“Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” it added.