A happy face Pep Guardiola joked with a Manchester United-supporting journalist about how difficult it must be to follow City’s archrivals, and doubled down on his claim that “everyone” in the country is rooting for Liverpool.
City moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after hammering Newcastle 5-0 at the Etihad, a commanding display that also increased their goal differential advantage. However, Guardiola was not satisfied.
Indeed, at his post-match press conference, he lamented how the entire nation had backed Jurgen Klopp’s high-flyers instead. While speaking to journalists during his press conference, he even joked that one of them supported Liverpool before being corrected.
Guardiola was asked if he was “ecstatic” with his team’s performance and replied, smiling, “Did you have doubts?” Yes, you are a Liverpool supporter. ‘Come on, let’s go. He was then informed that the reporter was a fan of both City and Liverpool’s archrivals, Manchester United, an admission that elicited several chuckles inside the room. Guardiola quickly apologized, saying, “I’m sorry, James.”
United have had a dreadful season this year, having been formally thrown out of the Champions League race and plagued by dressing room strife. They have already confirmed Erik ten Hag’s impending appointment as their new permanent manager, and it is probable that they will aim to clean the decks this summer.
Meanwhile, City will be hoping to avoid a trophy-less season as they compete for the top flight. They took advantage of Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham. The defending champions will win their fourth title in five years if they win their remaining three matches, which begin on Wednesday evening at Wolves. Guardiola believes that situation would enrage the public.
“Everyone in this country, the media, and everyone, of course, supports Liverpool because Liverpool has a fantastic history in European competition,” he remarked. But we’ve been going there for the last 10, 11, and 12 years.’ I know we’re occasionally awkward, but I don’t mind. ‘The fans want Liverpool to win more than they want us to win. ‘ It’s not a problem.
‘The fans want Liverpool to win more than they want us to win. ‘ It’s not a problem. It’s perfectly normal. Maybe they have more fans all across the world, and maybe they have more supporters in England than we do.” However, the question is now.'” People were cheering and supporting us before the game began, knowing that even if we were eliminated from the Champions League, we could still rely on those players.
“Right now, we need nine points or possibly six, depending on what happens in the next two games in terms of goal differential.”
But now, Wednesday’s game against the Wolves is the real deal. We intend to compete there. Our fate is in our own hands. Guardiola, on the other hand, revealed that key defenders Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Kyle Walker will not be involved in the title race any longer.
