Guardiola is the next to take aim at The Super League.
The latest manager in the Super League firing line – sent out with “very few info” – was Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard may have been briefed by those further up the Manchester City ladder, but he came out swinging for the fences. Very keen to answering any and all questions – not many were about the upcoming game against Aston Villa – the only shame was when the City press officer called a halt after only 20 minutes.
Following comments from Jurgen Klopp, James Milner and Patrick Bamford, on Monday, football fans were waiting to see how the next manager tied to one of the breakaway ‘Big Six’ clubs would respond in their first press conference following the news.
In Guardiola’s press conference ahead of City’s Wednesday evening match against Villa, the Spanish coach was inevitably asked about the elephant in the room and he didn’t disappoint:
PEP 💬 It is not a sport if success is guaranteed or if it doesn’t matter when you lose. I have said many times I want a successful Premier League, not just one team at the top. I don’t know if the statement will change and four or five teams will be able to go up.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021
As you can see, like any other true footballing person, Pep had the common sense to point out that the Super League fundamentally roots out competition: the whole purpose of football and sport, in general.
He doesn’t touch upon the fans, specifically, because he doesn’t need to. It’s clear that all of the managers implicated in this decision by their employers were not privy to discussions and although they are having to walk a fine line to keep their jobs intact, they aren’t giving the tournament their seal of approval.
PEP 💬 I would love the president of the committee to go out around the world and explain how we got this decision.
I support my club. I love to be part of this club. But I also have me opinion; right now it is just a statement. That's why it is uncomfortable for the managers.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021
On the flipside, Guardiola didn’t have too many good things to say about UEFA either – a relationship clearly soured since the FFP scandal and by no means the good guy along the long road that has led to this moment:
PEP 💬 They have to clarify and make it real clear what is the next step and then people can decide what to do. Then we have to go together as much as possible. But at the same time, don’t be cynical. Everyone thinks for themselves. UEFA thinks for themselves.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021
Nevertheless, he went on to describe the Super League plans as nothing more than “an embryo that is still not yet breathing’ and reiterated that all he and his players can do right now is focus on the next game.
However, he did get across a good bit of subliminal messaging by stating: “We are going to play the UCL next week and try to reach the final next season, we are going to play in Europe because we deserve it.”
Well in, Pep.
