A jury at Kingston Crown Court cleared her in relation to an incident in Twickenham, south-west London, on 30 January 2023.

Ms Kerr, 31, said she was “antagonised” by officers after she was taken to a police station by a taxi driver following a dispute.

The Australian international, who made the comments to PC Stephen Lovell, did not deny using the words “stupid and white” but denied it amounted to a racial offence.

Ms Kerr was cleared by the jury after it deliberated for four hours.

She gave a thumbs-up to her legal team before leaving the courtroom with her fiancée, West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.

In a statement following the verdict, Ms Kerr thanked her supporters, family and friends, and said she could now “finally put this challenging period behind me”.

“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed.

“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and look forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.”

In a statement, governing body Football Australia acknowledged the verdict and said it had “remained committed” to supporting the player throughout the process.

The trial heard Ms Kerr and Ms Mewis had been out drinking when they were driven to Twickenham Police Station by a taxi driver who complained that they had refused to pay clean-up costs after one of them was sick and that one of them had smashed the vehicle’s rear window.

After the verdict, Judge Peter Lodder KC said: “I take the view her own behaviour contributed significantly to the bringing of this allegation.

“I don’t go behind the jury’s verdict but that has a significant bearing on the question of costs.”

During the trial, Ms Kerr said she regretted the way she expressed herself but added: “I feel the message was still relevant”.

She denied using whiteness as an insult and claimed: “I believed it was him using his power and privilege over me because he was accusing me of being something I’m not.

“I was trying to express that due to the power and privilege they had, they would never have to understand what we had just gone through and the fear we were having for our lives.”

It can now be reported that Ms Kerr’s legal team attempted to get the case thrown out at a preliminary hearing, arguing there had been an abuse of process by crown prosecutors.

Ms Kerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had violated its own guidance, adding that a “loophole” in the victims’ right of review scheme was used to justify prosecution proceedings a year after the alleged offence.

During the trial, it was put to PC Lovell that he only provided a statement alleging that Ms Kerr’s comments had caused “alarm or harassment” after that decision.

In his first statement to the CPS, the officer made no mention of the “stupid and white” comment having an impact on him, the jury was told.

A second statement from PC Lovell was provided in December 2023, mentioning the alleged impact.

He read a section of the statement to the court, which said the comments made him “shocked, upset, and (left) me feeling humiliated”.

The charge was authorised later in December 2023, almost a year after the incident.

In its statement, Football Australia, said it also acknowledged the “pressures” the matter had placed on “everyone involved”.

“Football Australia will reflect with Sam on learnings from this matter… We look forward to Sam’s return to the pitch and her continued contributions to both her club and the Matildas on the world stage,” it added.

The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is on trial accused of sexual assault and attempting to coerce Ms Hermoso into publicly saying the kiss had been consensual.

Giving evidence, Mr Rubiales, 47, said the kiss was an “act of affection”, adding that in the moment it was “something completely spontaneous”.

The incident occurred during the medal-giving ceremony after Spain’s World Cup win in Australia, triggering protests and calls for Mr Rubiales’s resignation. He denies any criminal wrongdoing.

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Mr Rubiales told Spain’s National Court in Madrid on Tuesday that Hermoso had “embraced” him during the ceremony.

“I’ve known her for many years and I kissed her because she was a champion. This was a tremendous moment for her,” he said.

“We were champions, we were thanking each other. She pressed me very hard by the waist and then I asked her whether I could give her a kiss and she said yes.”

He added: “I took hold of her so as not to fall back.”

Mr Rubiales was questioned over whether he asked Ms Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.

“I can’t remember exactly,” he replied. “But I think it was a little kiss.”

Prosecutor Marta Durantiez repeated: “Did you tell her kiss or kiss on the lips?”

Mr Rubiales responded: “At that moment I did not remember but it is obvious that I said kiss. There are synonyms.”

Asked whether he normally kissed people on the lips, Rubiales told the court he felt the occasion and the fact he had known Hermoso for a long time warranted it.

He added he would act similarly with a male player, or one of his daughters during New Year celebrations.

He was also asked if he was aware of the protocol against sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he replied he was aware of it.

A lip reading expert – called to testify by Mr Rubiales’s legal team – told the court that, based on video footage he had anaylsed, the former football boss had asked Ms Hermoso”can I give you a kiss?” but that her response was not visible.

The lip reader also acknowledged that he only analysed a video published on TikTok, and was unable to specify who it belonged to.

A second expert, also called by Mr Rubiales’s team, claimed the video had not been modified in any way.

According to Spanish media, Ms Hermoso’s lawyer asked the lip reader could distinguish between the words “kiss, peck, pretty or little”.

“Yes, there would be a difference,” he clarified.

In her testimony last week, Ms Hermoso insisted that she had not given Mr Rubiales permission and that the incident had “stained one of the happiest days of my life”.

She previously told the court: “My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”

The Spain forward added: “A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”

Ms Hermoso said she was pulled aside soon after the kiss and asked to consent to a statement minimising the incident, which she refused to do.

Mr Rubiales then asked her to record a video with him on the flight home because he was being accused of assault on social media, she told the court. She said she had received death threats which prompted her to move her family to Mexico, where she now plays.

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Mr Rubiales conceded he had “made a mistake” on the podium and that his behaviour “was not appropriate”, saying he should have “been in a more institutional role”, but denied any offence had been committed.

He said the media attention the incident has attracted was “ridiculous”, adding that Ms Hermoso never reprimanded him over the kiss at any point in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

The incident was witnessed by millions of television viewers and an entire stadium after the Spanish women’s team won the 2023 World Cup.

The ensuing uproar gave momentum to a “Me Too”-style movement in the Spanish women’s game, in which players sought to combat sexism and achieve parity with their male peers.

Mr Rubiales resigned in September 2023 following weeks of resisting pressure to stand down, and after Fifa suspended him and Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation.

Mr Rubiales has also denied that he sent someone to speak to Ms Hermoso’s family in an attempt to get her to agree to make a video with him to assuage the public outcry.

Three of his former colleagues are also on trial accused of colluding in the alleged coercion: Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning side, Rubén Rivera, RFEF’s former head of marketing, and former sporting director, Albert Luque.

They each face more than a year in prison for allegedly pressuring Ms Hermoso to say that the kiss was consensual. All deny the charges.

Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-half year jail term for Mr Rubiales. The trial, which runs until 19 February, continues.

Luis Rubiales has told a court he is “absolutely sure” Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent before he kissed her at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is on trial accused of sexual assault and attempting to coerce Ms Hermoso into publicly saying the kiss had been consensual.Giving evidence, Mr Rubiales, 47, said the kiss was an “act of affection”, adding that in the moment it was “something completely spontaneous”.The incident occurred during the medal-giving ceremony after Spain’s World Cup win in Australia, triggering protests and calls for Mr Rubiales’s resignation. He denies any criminal wrongdoing.Mr Rubiales told Spain’s National Court in Madrid on Tuesday that Hermoso had “embraced” him during the ceremony.”I’ve known her for many years and I kissed her because she was a champion. This was a tremendous moment for her,” he said.”We were champions, we were thanking each other. She pressed me very hard by the waist and then I asked her whether I could give her a kiss and she said yes.”He added: “I took hold of her so as not to fall back.”Mr Rubiales was questioned over whether he asked Ms Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.”I can’t remember exactly,” he replied. “But I think it was a little kiss.”Prosecutor Marta Durantiez repeated: “Did you tell her kiss or kiss on the lips?”Mr Rubiales responded: “At that moment I did not remember but it is obvious that I said kiss. There are synonyms.”Asked whether he normally kissed people on the lips, Rubiales told the court he felt the occasion and the fact he had known Hermoso for a long time warranted it.He added he would act similarly with a male player, or one of his daughters during New Year celebrations.He was also asked if he was aware of the protocol against sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he replied he was aware of it.Reuters Jenni Hermoso looks down outside the court. She has long black hair slicked into a high pony tail and wears a double breasted black coat and black turtle neckReutersJenni Hermoso testified on days one of Rubiales’ trialA lip reading expert – called to testify by Mr Rubiales’s legal team – told the court that, based on video footage he had anaylsed, the former football boss had asked Ms Hermoso “can I give you a kiss?” but that her response was not visible.The lip reader also acknowledged that he only analysed a video published on TikTok, and was unable to specify who it belonged to.A second expert, also called by Mr Rubiales’s team, claimed the video had not been modified in any way.According to Spanish media, Ms Hermoso’s lawyer asked the lip reader could distinguish between the words “kiss, peck, pretty or little”.”Yes, there would be a difference,” he clarified.In her testimony last week, Ms Hermoso insisted that she had not given Mr Rubiales permission and that the incident had “stained one of the happiest days of my life”.She previously told the court: “My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”The Spain forward added: “A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”Ms Hermoso said she was pulled aside soon after the kiss and asked to consent to a statement minimising the incident, which she refused to do.Mr Rubiales then asked her to record a video with him on the flight home because he was being accused of assault on social media, she told the court. She said she had received death threats which prompted her to move her family to Mexico, where she now plays.EPA Luis Rubiales stands between two police guardsEPAMr Rubiales conceded he had “made a mistake” on the podium and that his behaviour “was not appropriate”, saying he should have “been in a more institutional role”, but denied any offence had been committed.He said the media attention the incident has attracted was “ridiculous”, adding that Ms Hermoso never reprimanded him over the kiss at any point in the immediate aftermath of the incident.The incident was witnessed by millions of television viewers and an entire stadium after the Spanish women’s team won the 2023 World Cup.The ensuing uproar gave momentum to a “Me Too”-style movement in the Spanish women’s game, in which players sought to combat sexism and achieve parity with their male peers.Mr Rubiales resigned in September 2023 following weeks of resisting pressure to stand down, and after Fifa suspended him and Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation.Mr Rubiales has also denied that he sent someone to speak to Ms Hermoso’s family in an attempt to get her to agree to make a video with him to assuage the public outcry.Three of his former colleagues are also on trial accused of colluding in the alleged coercion: Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning side, Rubén Rivera, RFEF’s former head of marketing, and former sporting director, Albert Luque.They each face more than a year in prison for allegedly pressuring Ms Hermoso to say that the kiss was consensual. All deny the charges.Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-half year jail term for Mr Rubiales. The trial, which runs until 19 February, continues.

The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is on trial accused of sexual assault and attempting to coerce Ms Hermoso into publicly saying the kiss had been consensual.

Giving evidence, Mr Rubiales, 47, said the kiss was an “act of affection”, adding that in the moment it was “something completely spontaneous”.

The incident occurred during the medal-giving ceremony after Spain’s World Cup win in Australia, triggering protests and calls for Mr Rubiales’s resignation. He denies any criminal wrongdoing.

Mr Rubiales told Spain’s National Court in Madrid on Tuesday that Hermoso had “embraced” him during the ceremony.

“I’ve known her for many years and I kissed her because she was a champion. This was a tremendous moment for her,” he said.

“We were champions, we were thanking each other. She pressed me very hard by the waist and then I asked her whether I could give her a kiss and she said yes.”

He added: “I took hold of her so as not to fall back.”

Mr Rubiales was questioned over whether he asked Ms Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.

“I can’t remember exactly,” he replied. “But I think it was a little kiss.”

Prosecutor Marta Durantiez repeated: “Did you tell her kiss or kiss on the lips?”

Mr Rubiales responded: “At that moment I did not remember but it is obvious that I said kiss. There are synonyms.”

Asked whether he normally kissed people on the lips, Rubiales told the court he felt the occasion and the fact he had known Hermoso for a long time warranted it.

He added he would act similarly with a male player, or one of his daughters during New Year celebrations.

He was also asked if he was aware of the protocol against sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he replied he was aware of it.

A lip reading expert – called to testify by Mr Rubiales’s legal team – told the court that, based on video footage he had anaylsed, the former football boss had asked Ms Hermoso”can I give you a kiss?” but that her response was not visible.

The lip reader also acknowledged that he only analysed a video published on TikTok, and was unable to specify who it belonged to.

A second expert, also called by Mr Rubiales’s team, claimed the video had not been modified in any way.

According to Spanish media, Ms Hermoso’s lawyer asked the lip reader could distinguish between the words “kiss, peck, pretty or little”.

“Yes, there would be a difference,” he clarified.

In her testimony last week, Ms Hermoso insisted that she had not given Mr Rubiales permission and that the incident had “stained one of the happiest days of my life”.

She previously told the court: “My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”

The Spain forward added: “A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”

Ms Hermoso said she was pulled aside soon after the kiss and asked to consent to a statement minimising the incident, which she refused to do.

Mr Rubiales then asked her to record a video with him on the flight home because he was being accused of assault on social media, she told the court. She said she had received death threats which prompted her to move her family to Mexico, where she now plays.

Mr Rubiales conceded he had “made a mistake” on the podium and that his behaviour “was not appropriate”, saying he should have “been in a more institutional role”, but denied any offence had been committed.

He said the media attention the incident has attracted was “ridiculous”, adding that Ms Hermoso never reprimanded him over the kiss at any point in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

The incident was witnessed by millions of television viewers and an entire stadium after the Spanish women’s team won the 2023 World Cup.

The ensuing uproar gave momentum to a “Me Too”-style movement in the Spanish women’s game, in which players sought to combat sexism and achieve parity with their male peers.

Mr Rubiales resigned in September 2023 following weeks of resisting pressure to stand down, and after Fifa suspended him and Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation.

Mr Rubiales has also denied that he sent someone to speak to Ms Hermoso’s family in an attempt to get her to agree to make a video with him to assuage the public outcry.

Three of his former colleagues are also on trial accused of colluding in the alleged coercion: Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning side, Rubén Rivera, RFEF’s former head of marketing, and former sporting director, Albert Luque.

They each face more than a year in prison for allegedly pressuring Ms Hermoso to say that the kiss was consensual. All deny the charges.

Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-half year jail term for Mr Rubiales. The trial, which runs until 19 February, continues.

Her teammates Irene Paredes, Laia Codina, and Alexia Putellas appeared at the trial of Mr Rubiales in Madrid on Thursday, where he is accused of sexual assault and coercion.

Ms Putellas said Ms Hermoso had felt “overwhelmed” after the incident, while Ms Codina said she was “sad” and “not enjoying herself”.

Mr Rubiales kissed Ms Hermoso on the lips during the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup medal ceremony in Australia, triggering protests and calls for his resignation. He denies any wrongdoing.

Ms Hermoso had told the court on Monday she had never given permission to be kissed at the World Cup medal ceremony and felt “disrespected” as a woman.

Ms Putellas said she thought at the time the incident had been something “fortuitous” and a “misunderstanding” but Ms Hermoso then later showed her a video and said she did not know how it occurred to Mr Rubiales to kiss her, according to local Spanish media.

The court heard from Ms Paredes that while on the bus to the airport after the World Cup final, she told her teammates to stop making jokes about the incident, saying it was “serious”.

Ms Putellas said that Ms Hermoso was “overwhelmed” on the plane back to Spain.

“She started crying from exhaustion,” the Barcelona player added.

The 31-year-old said Ms Hermoso was asked to speak to Mr Rubiales on the plane who told her that she should “come out” and “deny that there was no consent” in the kiss.

“She was angry and she said that there was no need for him to explain the facts to her because she had experienced it, that she wasn’t going to do that,” Ms Putellas said.

Ms Codina told the trial that during the team’s celebratory trip to the Spanish island of Ibiza, Ms Hermoso was “sad, she was not enjoying herself, far from it” even though it “should have been the best moment” of her life

1:00Hermoso ‘told teammate Rubiales asked her to lie about kiss’

Three colleagues of Mr Rubiales are also on trial, accused of colluding in the alleged coercion: Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning side, Rubén Rivera, the federation’s former head of marketing, and former sporting director, Albert Luque. They all deny the charges.

On Wednesday, the court heard that Mr Vilda spoke to Rafael Hermoso – brother of Jenni Hermoso – on the flight back to Spain, telling him that Mr Rubiales feared for his position, according to local Spanish media.

Mr Vilda asked him to speak to his sister about her making a video with Ms Rubiales that would downplay the kiss.

The coach warned that his sister could face “professional and personal consequences” if she did not cooperate, Rafael Hermoso said.

Speaking in court on Monday, Ms Hermoso said she and the then-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation hugged and celebrated at the football event, saying that he then grabbed her “by the ears and kiss[ed] me on the mouth”.

“I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she said, adding that “a kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so”.

The footballer said she felt “completely abandoned by the federation”.

Prosecutors are calling for Mr Rubiales to receive a one-year prison sentence for sexual assault for the kiss.

They are also calling for him to be given a sentence of a year-and-a-half for coercion, for allegedly trying to pressure Ms Hermoso into saying publicly that the kiss was consensual.

Mr Rubiales denies the charges. The trial continues.

The 32-year-old Brazil international is expected to sign a short-term deal at the club where he began his career.

The termination of his contract at Al-Hilal was considered the biggest step, according to sources close to Neymar.

It ends an injury-hit spell in Saudi Arabia, where he played just seven times for the club he joined in a £77.6m deal in August 2023.

The attacker made two appearances this season, most recently a substitute in November.

Al Hilal said: “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.”

Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire also attempted to bring Neymar to the United States but he turned them down in favour of returning to Santos.

Fire had Neymar on their ‘discovery list’, meaning they were the only MLS team able to negotiate with him in the US.

Inter Miami had also been linked with reuniting Neymar with his former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Neymar remains the world’s most expensive footballer after his £200m move to Paris St-Germain in 2017.

Neymar had around seven months remaining on his contract, having joined Al-Hilal on a two-year deal with a reported wage of 150m euros (£129.2m) a year.

He joined claiming he wanted to “write new sporting history” but had a prolonged spell on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

He returned in October last year and although he played down an apparent hamstring issue in his second match back, he has not featured since.

Neymar came through the famed youth system at Santos, where he scored 136 goals in 225 games, before a high-profile move to Barcelona in 2013.

He made 186 appearances across four seasons in Spain, winning two La Liga titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup before his world-record move to PSG as a 25-year-old.

In Paris he won five league titles prior to his move to Saudi Arabia.

Shortly after the move he overtook Pele to become Brazil’s all-time leading male goalscorer with 78 goals, but has not played for his country since his initial knee injury in 2023.

Oliver red-carded Gunners defender Myles Lewis-Skelly after he caught opposing defender Matt Doherty above the ankle to break up a counter-attack just outside the Wolves box in the 43rd minute.

The decision was upheld by Darren England, who was the video assistant referee (VAR) for the game at Molineux.

“We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver,” said referees’ body PGMOL.

“No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.

The statement added that “a number of investigations have commenced”.

“We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”

The Premier League said it “strongly condemns the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver”.

It added: “No official should be subject to any form of abuse. We will continue to support Michael, PGMOL and all investigations.”

Oliver also dismissed Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes later in the match before Riccardo Calafiori scored Arsenal’s winner with the only goal of the game.

After the match, Arsenal manager Arteta told BBC Match of the Day the decision to send off Lewis-Skelly was “so obvious that today you don’t need my words”.

The decision was also criticised by former officials and pundits.

“Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times,” added the PGMOL.

“We will continue to support all investigations.”

The 25-year-old has agreed a contract until June 2029, with add-ons rising to £4m.

Marmoush has scored 15 goals in 17 Bundesliga games this season, second only to England captain Harry Kane’s 16 for Bayern Munich.

“Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world over the past 10 years, so it was not a question,” Marmoush said.

“It’s a pleasure and an honour for me and my family to be representing Manchester City. It makes them happy; it makes me happy that my dreams are becoming a reality.

“The last two seasons have been great, but it is just the beginning for me.”

City have also signed 19-year-old Brazilian defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £30m and Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens for £34m in the January transfer window.

Marmoush, who has played as a striker, a number 10 and a winger, said: “On the pitch I am fast, good on the ball, I try to see where the spaces are and exploit the spaces – and I’m dangerous.

“My main strength I would say is that I always want to win – that is from a character point of view.”

City director of football Txiki Begiristain said Marmoush has “outstanding pace and awareness” and that his versatility is a “really valuable asset”.

Marmoush began his career with Wadi Degla in the Egyptian Premier League, before signing for VfL Wolfsburg in 2020.

He had loan spells at FC St Pauli and VfB Stuttgart before his 2023 move to Frankfurt, for whom he scored 37 goals and made 20 assists in 67 games.

An inquiry is being launched to find those responsible, Prime Minister Oury Bah said in a statement, calling the events “tragic” and offering his condolences to the bereaved.

One doctor, who did not want to be named, told AFP news agency there were “bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital”.

“Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full,” he added

Local media said police had used tear gas after supporters of the visiting team, Labé, threw stones towards the pitch in anger at the referee.

“It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch,” one witness told AFP.

Videos and images on social media appear to show chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with large crowds attempting to climb over walls and numerous bodies on the ground.

Some of those lying unresponsive on the ground appear to be children.

Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist in Nzérékoré said that internet access in the region had been restricted, and that police were guarding the entrance to the hospital where the injured were being treated.

“I observed six police pick-ups positioned in front of the three entrances to the hospital. They allowed only the medical staff to access the hospital, while the others were told to go back the way they came.”

Prime Minister Bah has paid tribute to the dozens of people killed and promised full medical and psychological support to all those injured.

Thousands of spectators were present when the crush happened at a match between Nzérékoré and Labé, local news website MediaGuinée reported.

It said Sunday’s match was part of a tournament in honour of President Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in September 2021.

Similar football tournaments in honour of the junta leader have been organised in other parts of the country, with the opposition condemning it as a ploy to support a possible candidacy of Doumbouya during upcoming elections.

In recent months there has been increased scrutiny of powerful figures in Guinean football.

In July, Aboubacar Sampil, who is president of the country’s football body Feguifoot, became the subject of an investigation into corruption and violence in football.

A junior colleague accused Mr Sampil, who also leads the board of directors for local team ASK, of facilitating violence and trying to influence referees at a match that ASK was losing 0-1 to Milo FC.

The latter team had to abandon the game and had trouble leaving the ground safely, according to documents filed to Feguifoot’s ethics body.

Among other things, Mr Sampil has also been accused of bypassing protocol and unliterally appointing people to jobs.

He has always denied any wrongdoing.

City lost five games in a row before squandering a three-goal lead from the 75th minute to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The longest winless streak in Guardiola’s coaching career could be extended on Sunday when City plays away to Liverpool, who are in first place in the Premier League and the Champions League.

“I ask for that challenge. I ask for this opportunity to do it. Because I feel it. I know what I want to do. I know what we need. I know what we have to do,” Guardiola said.

For sure, I want to stay here, I want to do it, but the moment I feel I’m not positive for the club, another one will come. But I want the opportunity to try. I don’t want to run away. I want to be there. I want to rebuild the team.

“It’s not normal in the big clubs to have the results we have had, but what we have to do is accept it. ”

Guardiola, who has won the Premier League six times in his eight full seasons with City, as well as the club’s first Champions League title, said he is in regular communication with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“He knows we are going to find a solution,” Guardiola said. “In the circumstances that it doesn’t happen, the club will take the solution, the decision, it has to take.”

The Spanish coach said he deserved to be given time to turn things around. “I have it all on my shoulders. I want it,” he said. “Here at the football club you have to win — if you don’t win, you’ll be in trouble. I know that.

“People said, ‘Oh, why is Pep not in trouble? Why is he not sacked?’ What we have done the last eight years is why we have this margin.”

Guardiola played down talk of a “crisis” at City when asked by a reporter, but was unsure when the team would start winning again.

After Liverpool, City plays seventh-place Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

“We will be back — I know that,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know when, that is the truth.“We have to accept,” he added, “that it is completely normal — maybe the exception was in the past, not what happened now. How we stand up again, this is the big success in life. It’s how many times you stand up, again, and again, and again, whatever happens. They are the greatest [people].”

Liverpool continued their incredible start to life under Arne Slot with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday to move back to the top of the Champions League table.

The Reds are also streaking clear at the top of the Premier League, eight points ahead of City, who are suffering from the loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a season-ending knee injury.

Slot is confident Guardiola will turn their fortunes around, but is hoping it will not come in time for the top-of-the-table clash.

“One of the reasons why I think Guardiola is the best manager in the world is that he always comes up with solutions for his problems,” Slot said at his pre-match news conference on Thursday.

“His problem now might be that Rodri is out, but we all know, I think, that he will come up with a solution and the run of form will go again. Hopefully, after Sunday.

“I think he was the one who started playing the inverted full-back, then he was the one that started to play the centre-back as a number six. So I don’t think it’s a surprise for anyone if he again comes up with something no one has ever thought about before to make his team even stronger.”

All three previous sides to enjoy at least an eight-point lead after 12 Premier League matches went on to win the title.

Liverpool have won the league just once since 1990 and have missed out twice in recent seasons to City by a single point as Guardiola’s men have racked up six of the last seven titles.

Slot refused to buy into the idea that the defending champions are there for the taking when asked if City’s slump has made Liverpool’s task easier in the title race.

“I don’t think anyone in the last eight or nine years, or maybe even longer, would have said that City, home or away, that the word ‘easy’ ever comes to mind.”

Liverpool’s latest statement win, to defeat Madrid for the first time in nine meetings, came at a cost.

Defenders Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate are doubtful for the weekend after suffering injuries late in the game.

“It’s never a good sign if, in Conor’s case, we had to take him off and Ibou couldn’t walk off the pitch as he should after such a fantastic game that he played,” added Slot.

However, the Dutchman confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold would be fit enough to replace Bradley if necessary.

City could hand a start to defender Ruben Dias, who returned to the bench for Tuesday’s game.

John Stones remains a doubt having missed the Feyenoord match while Mateo Kovacic, Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain absent.

Head-to-headThis is the 197th meeting between the clubs, with Liverpool winning 93 of the encounters and City claiming the spoils on 50 occasions. While the last two matches, both in the Premier League last season, ended in draws, the Reds have not won in the last four, with City winning the two games prior to that. Their last win was at Anfield in October 2022 when Mohamed Salah scored the only goal of the game to mark the third consecutive win for his side against City, and their fifth consecutive unbeaten match between the two sides.