Pep Guardiola says he ‘will not apologise’ for his comments about fans at the Etihad after criticism from supporters’ groups this week.
Following Manchester City’s 6-3 victory against RB Leipzig in their opening Champions League group match, Guardiola said his players would be tired and he would like “more people” to come for Saturday’s visit of Southampton.
City’s attendances at midweek Champions League games have typically been lower than for weekend Premier League matches. For instance, only 38,062 attended the Leipzig game at the Etihad Stadium, which holds just under 54,000.
Manchester City supporters club not happy with Pep Guardiola
Kevin Parker, the general secretary of Manchester City’s supporters’ club was not pleased with Pep’s comments, and called for the City boss to focus on coaching. “In the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that,” Parker said.
Consequently, Guradiola responded on Friday, asking Parker to “review” his comments after Wednesday’s win over RB Leipzig, with the manager refusing to apologise for his remarks.
“Did I say after the game against Leipzig that I was disappointed because the stadium was not full?
“Interpretation is interpretation. I’m not going to apologise for what I said. I’m surprised about what happened with this man”, Guardiola said.
The City manager also went on to say that he knows the history of the club, and he would “step aside” if the fans have a problem with him.
“We are who we are. I know the history, I learned about the history. This club (when it was) in the lower division, what it means to follow the team. I don’t want to be like (Manchester) United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, (Real) Madrid – like all the big clubs. Don’t put words in my mouth, I don’t like it. If I have a problem with the fans I’ll make a step aside. It’s not a problem for me. I am one of them.”
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