LONDON: Tijjani Reijnders has insisted there will be no loss of nerve at Manchester City following their surprise defeat by Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
City manager Pep Guardiola felt confident enough to make 10 changes to his team only for the side to lose 2-0 at home to Bundesliga outfit Leverkusen on Tuesday.
Defeat ended City’s unbeaten start to the league phase of European club football’s elite competition ahead of a tie with Spanish giants Real Madrid and came just days after their loss to Newcastle in the Premier League last weekend.
“Of course it’s a bummer (but) we should not lose our confidence because we did great before and we have to get back on that winning streak, and that’s by being ready for the next game on Saturday (at home to Leeds),” said Dutch midfielder Reijnders.
“Mentally we have to be ready. We know what we can do and what we showed before. It’s on us to do that again — don’t lose the confidence because we have a lot of quality in the team.
“We should not panic now. Of course losing two times in a row is not a good thing but we know there are still plenty of chances this season and we have to go game to game.”
Reijnders’s fellow midfielder Nico Gonzalez was the only player to retain his starting spot from the defeat at St. James’ Park, with Guardiola opting to rest several star names including Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick put Leverkusen on top and not even the introduction of Norway striker Haaland, who has scored 32 goals for club and country this season, with 25 minutes remaining could turn the tide for City.
Reijnders, however, was adamant this defeat would have no bearing on City’s match against record 15-time European champions Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on December 10.
“I don’t think it will put extra pressure,” he said. “We know what we can expect there from Madrid, but it’s in a couple of weeks so first let’s be ready for Saturday.”
Reijnders adamant Man City will keep calm after Leverkusen loss
https://arab.news/vqtyu
Reijnders adamant Man City will keep calm after Leverkusen loss
- “We have to get back on that winning streak, and that’s by being ready for the next game on Saturday (at home to Leeds),” said Reijnders
- “Mentally we have to be ready”
Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Named ‘Best Event Spectacle’
- Award recognizes the F1 Promoter that has delivered the most impressive off-track event spectacle
- Saudi GP has quickly become one of Formula 1’s most spectacular night races, combining high-speed racing with a fully integrated program of fan engagement
JEDDAH: The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been named ‘Best Event Spectacle’ at the F1 Promoter Awards, which took place in London, UK yesterday.
The award recognizes the F1 Promoter that has delivered the most impressive off-track event spectacle, including entertainment, concerts, and fan activations that enhance the race weekend experience alongside on-track action.
Staged at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the world’s fastest street circuit, the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has quickly become one of Formula 1’s most spectacular night races, combining high-speed racing with a fully integrated program of fan engagement, live entertainment, and immersive activations for audiences of all ages.
Since its debut in December 2021, the event has become as famous for its off-track entertainment as for its adrenaline-fueled racing. Past Grands Prix have featured global superstars including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Travis Scott, Swedish House Mafia, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, and Usher performing on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage after racing concluded.
In 2026, fans can expect another world-class entertainment lineup, further cementing Jeddah’s position as a leading destination for sport and entertainment.
HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), was thrilled with the nomination: “This award is the result of years of dedication, collaboration, and vision from everyone involved in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — from our teams on the ground to the fans who bring the event to life each year.”
He added: ” Beyond the incredible on-track action, our goal has always been to create a welcoming and immersive race weekend that offers something for everyone by delivering the very best in live entertainment, interactive fan zones and an unrivalled atmosphere that makes Jeddah a truly unique F1 fan destination. We are grateful to Formula 1 for its ongoing partnership and support, which has allowed us to continually raise the bar for what a Grand Prix can be.”
2026: New Cars, New Teams, New Champion
With five thrilling races to its name, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most exciting events on the Formula 1 calendar.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit remains the longest and fastest street circuit in the sport, with drivers averaging 252 km/h and spending 79 percent of each lap at full throttle.
The 2026 season promises a landmark year: featuring all-new cars designed for closer, more unpredictable racing, the addition of Cadillac as an 11th team, and Audi’s long-awaited debut.
Jeddah will also welcome a new reigning World Champion, with McLaren’s Lando Norris defending his title against four-time champion Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri.
F1 Academy will also return, showcasing the next generation of female racing talent, while fans can once again look forward to a world-class live music program, with major acts to be announced soon.
