‘I won’t apologise… Hopefully Mr Parker will be there’: Pep Guardiola refuses to back down on jibes at City fans as he calls out supporters’ club chief… and even says ‘if there’s a problem I’ll walk away’
- Pep Guardiola called on Manchester City fans to watch their Southampton clash
- His comments came after City beat RB Leipzig in front of Etihad empty seats
- The club’s supporters’ group called his words ‘disappointing’ and ‘uncalled for’
- City boss Guardiola has defended his comments and said that he won’t say sorry
- He said that he would walk away from the club if he was a problem for the fans
Pep Guardiola refused to apologise for his comments about Manchester City’s support in midweek.
The City manager invited the club’s fans to turn up in their droves for Saturday’s clash with Southampton after recording a 6-3 victory over RB Leipzig in front of 38,062 at the Etihad Stadium.
Kevin Parker, general secretary of City’s supporters’ club, criticised Guardiola for being out of touch but the Catalan stood his ground.
Pep Guardiola won’t apologise for comments calling on fans to attend Southampton match
Kevin Parker, general secretary of City’s supporters’ club, criticised Guardiola for being out of touch but the Catalan stood his ground
Guardiola addressed Parker, who has been a season ticket holder at the club since 1973, during his pre-match press conference.
‘Mr Parker should review the comments. I will not apologise,’ Guardiola said.
‘Did I say after the game that I was disappointed because the stadium was not full? Interpretation is interpretation. I’m not going to apologise. I am surprised at what has happened [since].
‘When you play in the Champions League it is so tough, knowing that Southampton have had all week to prepare. I make an approach to do something together again.
‘What I said is we would love the support, we need the support – 40,000 or 50,000 people.
Pep Guardiola was told to stick to coaching after commenting on Manchester City crowds
‘We need their support. I was incredibly grateful for the support we had. If you want to join us, we’ll be incredibly happy if you come.
‘I prefer to be with my people than without. If they don’t come then it’s perfect. If you want to come, then it’s a pleasure.
‘I’ve never had a problem with the fans. I am one of them. I try to do my best. I like to play in the Etihad with my fans. I know what my intention was.’
He also added: ‘Our fans will be there tomorrow. Hopefully Mr Parker will be there to watch us.’
As well as that Guardiola even insisted: ‘If I am a problem with my fans, maybe I will step aside.’
Guardiola also confirmed that both John Stones and Aymeric Laporte will remain sidelined this weekend.
There were around 17,000 empty seats for City’s Champions League win against RB Leipzig
The defensive pair missed Wednesday’s win in the Champions League after picking up issues during the international break. Guardiola is unsure whether they will be available for the trip to Chelsea next week.
‘John didn’t play for us then played 90 minutes with the national team and came back injured,’ Guardiola added. ‘Laporte came back with some disturbing niggles. He wanted to play at Leicester but the niggles were higher. Both are not able to play.’
After Guardiola’s comments on Tuesday after their Champions League victory, Parker said: ‘Pep’s probably earning £300,000 a week.
‘If he didn’t take the money and bought tickets for kids, that would fill the stadium if he’s that bothered about it. Does he think people will buy tickets for Saturday because of what he said?
‘Pep should know it will only be used negatively towards a very loyal fanbase. It plays into the hands of rival supporters who have a go about the “Empty-had”.
City romped to a 6-3 win against RB Leipzig on Tuesday despite the empty seats
‘Roy Keane had a go at the prawn sandwich brigade at United a few years ago and City fans have been singing about it ever since.
‘I was disappointed when I heard what Pep said. It was a bit uncalled for and I don’t see why he’d divert attention from the performance. I want him to be our coach, he’s the best in the world. Maybe he should stick to that.
‘It’s like the comments recently about whether he stays or leaves. He doesn’t need to do it. I don’t want to hear Pep talking about what he’ll do if he leaves City. Don’t have that conversation while you’re at the club.’
Explaining the empty seats, Parker added: ‘It’s not a reflection on Pep or the team. We’re scoring goals for fun and playing some of the best football in Europe.
‘But there’s not a bottomless pit of money. These games have a financial impact on fans — people have been on furlough and don’t have as much money. These group stages can be a bit boring and Leipzig only brought 100 fans.’