The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola said he would not apologize to the general secretary of Manchester City’s official supporters’ club, Kevin Parker. He threatened that he would “leave” the club if “people” are not happy with him.
Recall that after Manchester City beat RB Leipzig 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium during a UEFA Champions League group game, Pep Guardiola came out to call for more Manchester City supporters for the club’s Premier League game against Southampton.
After the Spanish manager made this statement, fans of the opposing teams mocked Manchester City by describing the club’s home ground as “emptihad”.
The mockery offended the supporters of Manchester City which pushed the club’s supporters secretary-general to urge Pep Guardiola to stick to coaching.
Kevin Parker argued that the Spanish coach did not know the plight the supporters are going through and how difficult it was for them to afford a match day ticket.
In reaction to Parker’s comments, Pep Guardiola argued that he never said he was disappointed over the turnout of the club’s supporters during the Champions League group stage game on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.
Pep Guardiola said: “Did I say after the game that I was disappointed that the stadium was not full? An interpretation is an interpretation.
“Always I’ve said, guys if you want to join us I will be incredibly happy because I know how difficult it will be. I prefer to be with my people than without my people. But if they don’t come for any reason it’s perfect.
“I never say ‘Why didn’t you come?’. Mr. Parker should review the comments I’ve done the day after, but I will not apologize to him.
“The club is the most important thing and the most important part of the club is the fans. They sustain it. I love this club, I am part of this club. When people are not happy with me I will leave, that is for sure.”
Pep Guardiola clears the air on the status of Manchester City
Despite the consistency of Manchester City in terms of winning major titles for the past 10 years, opposing teams always refer to City as a small club.
But the coach of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola insisted that he did not want to compare the Premier League club to Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, stressing that those who are affiliated with City are proud of who they are.
“We are who we are, we’re proud of who we are”, Pep Guardiola said ahead of Manchester City vs Southampton Premier League game scheduled to kick off today at 15:00.
“I know the history. I learned the history of this club, what it means to travel and follow this team. I don’t want to be like United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Madrid, like all the big clubs, we are who we are.
“I like it. To misunderstand and put some words in my mouth I didn’t say, I don’t like it. I will never have a problem with my fans. If I have a problem I will step aside, I am one of them. Since day one I’ve tried to do my best.
“I like to play at the stadium with my fans. It was a tough game against Leipzig. I was exhausted, I saw my team in the locker room how difficult it was, and at that moment I was thinking it’s Southampton in three days, and I said come to join us, come to do it together, come to beat the team of Ralph [Hasenhuttl] because I know how difficult it will be.
“This is my message, but if this guy wants to misunderstand my comments, this is a problem, but I’m here to defend what I said. If I make mistakes I’m here to say I’m sorry, but in that, cause I will apologize give. It’s to be part of something and do it together. I like the fans we have.”
Let's get ready for the weekend with our top five goals against Southampton at the Etihad 💪
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 18, 2021
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klUGiM pic.twitter.com/HApOqMYqSb
