‘I cannot change what the people think’: Pep Guardiola insists two-year Champions League ban for FFP breaches will not tarnish Manchester City’s achievements
- Manchester City have faced criticism for ‘serious breaches’ of FFP regulations
- Pep Guardiola insists City’s success will not be undermined by judgement
- City are appealing a two-year Champions League ban with the Court for Arbitration for Sport
Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City will not waste time worrying about public opinion in the wake of UEFA’s two-year Champions League ban.
The Premier League champions have lifted five of the last six domestic trophies on offer but have faced stinging criticism after ‘serious breaches’ of Financial Fair Play regulations.
Guardiola insisted City’s recent successes will not be tarnished as a result and that he cannot alter judgement from outside the club ahead of an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City will not waste time worrying about public opinion
Guardiola insists City’s success will not be tarnished by the ‘serious breaches’ of FFP
‘I cannot change what the people think,’ he said. ‘I know how hard we’ve worked and I’m so proud with what we’ve done over these years. Nobody helped us from outside.
‘We did an incredible job every day, every game. Nothing is going to change. It’s not finished, it’s not over, and we’ll see what happens.’
Guardiola, who hopes to have David Silva fit for Saturday’s trip to Leicester City, appeared relaxed about an interview with Raheem Sterling published in Spain.
Sterling praised Real Madrid and posed for a photograph with the shirts of both clubs ahead of next week’s European date.
‘The players are free to talk and say wat they believe, what they think,’ Guardiola said. ‘We’re not here to tell them what to say. It’s normal that if you do an interview with Madrid media to talk about Madrid.
Guardiola appeared to be relaxed about Raheem Sterling’s future after an interview in Spain
‘I’m completely sure of the commitment of our players. They’ve shown it for many years, nothing has changed. We’re going to decide what to with the club and players. I have no doubts about the rest of the season.’
City come up against goalscoring nemesis Jamie Vardy at the King Power Stadium and Guardiola puts the striker down as one of the finest on the continent.
‘We play 40 metres in front and it’s perfect for him,’ Guardiola joked. ‘Jamie Vardy scored goals against us but all the teams. The final third he’s exceptionally, one of the best strikers I’ve ever seen with his movement.’