Pep Guardiola offered a sarcastic response after being asked about his interaction with Jack Grealish following Sunday’s goalless draw with Arsenal.
The Manchester City boss was captured by television cameras in animated discussion with the England midfielder on the Etihad pitch after Grealish and his team-mates failed to find a breakthrough against Mikel Arteta’s well-drilled Gunners.
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It is not the first time Guardiola has chosen this approach – leading to criticism from some pundits – and asked why he spoke to Grealish on the pitch, rather than wait until they were in the dressing room, the former Barcelona boss snapped: “I do it for the cameras, for my ego.
“I’m the famous person of the team, if it’s on camera then I can sleep because I have incredible satisfaction.
“I always try to criticise the players there and let them know how bad they are.
“When Erling (Haaland) scores three goals, the compliments have to be with me, not with them, that’s why I use the cameras to do it. My advice next time is; don’t film us and it will not be a problem.”
It was a rather unnecessary response from Guardiola ahead of another important fixture for his side. City sit third in the Premier League, three points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Villa are fourth, five points behind the defending Premier League and European champions.
🗣️ ‘Don’t film us and it won’t be a problem!’
Pep Guardiola gives a mischievous answer to a reporter’s question about his grilling of Jack Grealish following Sunday’s clash with Arsenal 🔹 pic.twitter.com/R2uxCjF1oY
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 2, 2024
