Guardiola refuses to apologize over comments about Man City fans

Pep Guardiola has refused to apologize after comments he made about Man City supporters angered the club’s fan base this week.

Guardiola said his team would “need” a bigger turnout at the at the Etihad for the Premier League clash with Southampton this weekend, after just over 38,000 of their 55,000 available seats were taken for the 6-3 Champions League win over RB Leipzig midweek.

“I’d like more people to come on Saturday, we need the people,” he said. “I invite all our people to come Saturday, 3 p.m., to watch the game."

The Man City boss’s comments have not sat well with fans, with general secretary of City's official supporters' club Kevin Parker urging him to “stick to coaching”.

"[What he said] did surprise me," Parker said. "I'm not sure what that's got to do with him. He doesn't understand the difficulties that some people might have getting to a game at the Etihad on a Wednesday evening at 8pm.

"They've got kids to think of, they might not be able to afford it, [and] there are still some Covid issues about. I don't see why he comments on it. He's absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that.”

Guardiola: “I will not apologize”

Asked about the matter at a press conference ahead of City’s game against Southampton this weekend, Guardiola said he would not apologize to Mr. Parker, stating that he had made similar comments as coach of Barcelona and Bayern Munich also.

“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 apologize for what I said,” said the City boss.

“I’m surprised about what happened with this man. It’s not the first time in my career I’ve said it, the same at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. When you play a tough Champions League game, knowing that you have another in three days and that Southampton have had all week to prepare. I know how difficult it was against Ralph last season.

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“I made an approach to do something together again on Saturday at 3pm. What I said is that we would love, and need their support. Whether it’s 10,000 people, 50,000 or 40,000 – it doesn’t matter how many come – I invite them to come and enjoy a game. We need their support. After five seasons, if the people can’t understand my behavior it is because they want to misunderstand exactly what I said. I’m not going to apologize for a second because I was honest.

“In the last 18 months, we have unfortunately done it without them. I was incredibly grateful for the support that we had. If you want to join us we will be incredibly happy if you come to see the next game because I know how difficult it will be. I know how difficult it will be. I’d prefer to be with my people than without my people. But if they don’t come for any reason then it’s perfect.

“I was never here for any reason to say why didn’t you come. If you don’t come, don’t come. If you do, it will be a pleasure. So Mr. Parker. should review the comments made a day after. I will not apologize to him, absolutely not.”