Share

Guardiola bites back at 'prestigious' Neville's poor managerial record

Manchester - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola dismissed former Manchester United captain Gary Neville's fleeting coaching career and sarcastically labelled him a "prestigious pundit" in response to criticism from the Sky Sports analyst.

Neville labelled Guardiola's decision to name only six substitutes for last weekend's 1-1 Premier League draw at Burnley due to a spiralling injury crisis as "a joke".

Also an ex-England coach, Neville believes an opportunity should have been given to one of City's many promising academy prospects.

"If you're the academy or reserve team manager at Manchester City, you must think: 'I'm wasting my time,'" added Neville.

Guardiola had already defended his decision by saying that he could not pick a player from City's elite development squad as they had faced a game on the Friday night.

But also took a fresh dig at Neville by making a disparaging reference to his disastrous four-month spell as manager of Valencia in 2016.

"This guy, the pundit, he has to know my job is serious. It's not a joke, never is it a joke. It's so serious. And he should know that because he was a manager - for a short time."

However, Guardiola refused to say he could refuse to name a full compliment of subs again in coming weeks.

"Management is not a book where every time you do the same things," added the Catalan.

"It's not a book where you have to follow the rules. Sometimes I say: 'OK, I take that decision.'

"And of course the prestigious pundit can say whatever he wants. But I take the decisions."

Many pundits, including Neville and former England captain Alan Shearer, interpreted Guardiola's decision as a protest against a number of dangerous challenges made on City players during recent matches.

Leroy Sane was ruled out until mid-March after his ankle ligaments were damaged by a wild tackle from Joe Bennett during City's FA Cup fourth-round win at Cardiff on January 28, while Kevin de Bruyne and Brahim Diaz were on the receiving end of bad challenges as West Brom were beaten in the Premier League three days later.

Guardiola played down that suggestion, adding that in his decade-long coaching career he had always previously named a full bench.

As well as Sane, Guardiola was missing Gabriel Jesus, David Silva, John Stones, Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph for the trip to Turf Moor.

"It was the first time in my life that it had happened, but all of the players were injured believe me."

Guardiola, meanwhile, said that City should not bear any responsibility for Riyad Mahrez's fallout with Leicester after a move to the Etihad Stadium fell through in late January.

Mahrez remains unlikely to be involved when Leicester travel to face Guardiola's men on Saturday having only returned to training on Friday for the first time since January 30, when City's reported 50 million plus a player valued at 15 million offer for the Algerian was rejected.

"In all transfers, the clubs call the clubs, it's simple like that.

"After that we are not involved in absolutely anything. It's a decision for the player and the club, not Manchester City."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE