Still basking in his side’s triumph in the UEFA Champions League final, Pep Guardiola has taken a swipe at Romelu Lukaku over his performance in the final.
Manchester City defeated Inter Milan by 1-0 in the final at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on the 10th of June 2023.
Rodri’s decisive 68th minute strike handed the Citizens their first UEFA Champions League title in history.
The Nerazzurri had several chances in the encounter to go ahead and even equalize in the encounter but many of those opportunities were fluffed by Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku was a second half introduction in the 2022/23 Champions League final as he replaced Edin Dzeko on the 57th minute.
He received a headed pass in the dying embers of the encounter just three yards from goal but somehow, he couldn’t bury the chance.
The Belgian’s could have aimed for either side of goal but unfortunately for Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku aimed his effort at Ederson Moraes.
Inter Milan also saw other great chances in the game with Federico Dimarco almost scoring on the 70th minute.
However, once again his second attempt was blocked by Romelu Lukaku after his initial effort struck the bar.
Speaking in an interview conducted recently, Pep Guardiola was questioned about Xavi Hernandez’s time as Barcelona coach so far.
Xavi’s Barcelona have crashed out of the Champions League group stages in back-to-back seasons and Guardiola called for patience. The Spaniard requested of everyone to give his former player time.
Xavi Hernandez was appointed Barcelona mangar in November 2021.
The former Al-Sadd boss has led Barcelona to the Spanish La Liga title in his second season in charge of the club.
Pep Guardiola during the interview aimed a dig at Romelu Lukaku
During the Interview, Pep Guardiola stated how it took Manchester City eight years to win the Champions League and in the process he took a jibe at Romelu Lukaku.
He said: “Give Xavi a little time at Barcelona. It took us at Manchester City eight years to win the UEFA Champions League.
“I’m European champion because a striker missed a clear header from three yards away…”
Romelu Lukaku was heavily castigated for his performance in the final which resulted in Manchester City claiming a European treble.
The 30-year-old had a game he would quickly want to forget as he completed three of five passes, won only two of his five duels and made no important pass in the game.
Romelu Lukaku wants to remain at Inter Milan
The former Everton forward has indicated his desire to remain at Inter Milan but his future is unknown.
He has reportedly turned down offers from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal due to a disagreement in salary.
That basically implies that he would return to Stamford Bridge after the end of his loan spell in Italy.
However, Inter Milan can still secure the services of Romelu Lukaku during the summer, if they truly want him as Chelsea are willing to let the Belgian go if any club meets his valuation.
Consequently for fans of other clubs and inconsequentially for Man City fans, Lukaku’s action albeit had an influence in the Citizens winning the treble.
Manchester City became the first English team since Manchester United in the 1998/99 season to win the treble.
In the past 7 years, Pep Guardiola’s side have done a domestic treble. They achieved the famed and respected treble this season.
They usurped Arsenal to lift the Premier League title before defeating Manchester United in the FA Cup final, afterwards it was Inter Milan who felt the heat from Man City in the UEFA Champions League final.
