Pep Guardiola couldn’t resist a cheeky jab at Manchester City’s Premier League rivals, joking that they want the Blues not just to be relegated, but to “disappear off the face of the earth.”
Guardiola has frequently acted as the club’s spokesperson regarding the 115 charges against them, facing the media up to six times a week.
On the eve of the club’s trial, which began on Monday, he made a pointed remark, suggesting that many rivals are eager to see City sanctioned before the club has had a chance to prove its innocence.
While the team has focused on its daily business this week, Guardiola addressed the charges while defending his players, who have worked hard for their recent win over Brentford and a draw with Inter Milan.
When asked if he ever sets City up to be pragmatic, Pep Guardiola emphasized that his side is “the best team in the world being pragmatic,” clarifying that being pragmatic doesn’t necessarily mean defending deep or playing for a 0-0 result.
“Look at the numbers, we won a lot,” he said.
“What does it mean – related in the results, not the beautiful football? I don’t believe that.
“I believe in the way we play. We are unbelievably pragmatic.
“The best I would say, I’m sorry. It’s the truth.
“To play 95 minutes, the opponents have to defend in their box, this is what I want.
“Do you know why? Because the ball is far far from Ederson and Stefan [Ortega].
“When the ball is closer to my goal, now is dangerous.
“I prefer when the ball is there, that is to be pragmatic.”
He continued: “For example the people say we’ll play a game and it’s been a disaster.
“No, it’s not a disaster.
“If the opponent was better [on the day], that means we are bad?
“If we win, Arsenal are bad? It happens, sometimes sun, sometimes rain.
“During the season you can say it’s a bad season, but the [individual] performance some people say it’s a disgrace, a disaster, unacceptable.
“No. 90 minutes, one bad afternoon.
“I would say, I’m sorry to people but I want to defend my club especially in these modern days.
“Everyone expects us not just to be relegated (amid the Premier League hearing) but disappear off the face of the earth. I’d say we have better afternoon than the opponents.
“That’s why we win a lot.”
Manchester City have the chance to become the first team in English top-flight history to win their opening five league matches in five consecutive seasons if they defeat Arsenal on Sunday
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