Soccer

Guardiola: “We are not going to strengthen the squad in January”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola got snippy with a reporter who asked about their finances and strengthening the team in the January.

On Monday, Manchester City reported record revenues and profits for their last season, of around $705 million and 50 million, respectively. A reporter asked City manager Pep Guardiola how he felt about their good financial standing and he got snippy, telling him he was really the wrong person to ask.

I’m not involved in that. Ask Ferran Soriano. He’s the boss of that,” Guardiola told the reporter.

There were reports on Monday that Liverpool’s majority shareholding group Fenway Sports Group are actively searching for a new buyer. The reporter insisted, asking Guardiola about Liverpool as well and still, Guardiola avoided the question.

“I’m not the right person to ask this question. I’m not the right one to answer you,” he said. “I’m not involved in that. I’m not a CEO. I try to be as good a manager as possible. That’s all. And of course, I’m not going to talk about other clubs.”

The reporter of course continued, asking if at least the financial backing gave Guardiola the confidence going into the January transfer window, that they could strengthen the squad if they need.

“We are not going to strengthen the squad in January,” Guardiola told the reporter. “We have the squad that we have, we are pleased with that. That’s all.”

Manchester City is two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, but are still the favorites to win the top-flight for the fifth time in six seasons.