GUARDIOLA: I SYMPATHISE WITH ARSENE… IT COULD BE ME NEXT

PEP GUARDIOLA has offered his support to Arsene Wenger after Manchester City’s easy win in the Carabao Cup final put the Arsenal manager under renewed pressure. The clubs meet again in the Premier League at the Emirates tonight and Guardiola expressed sympathy for his beleaguered rival. ‘I understand completely,’ said Guardiola. ‘I’d like to tell him that I am on the same side as him. I understand what he feels because I have had it before. ‘Believe me, you feel alone because there’s a lot of pressure on your shoulders. ‘What happened can happen to me in the future. We won, I’m good. Arsene Wenger didn’t win, so he’s not good. I always support my colleagues.’ Meanwhile, Guardiola insisted he will not allow his personal views to ‘damage’ City and is prepared to stop wearing a yellow ribbon on the touchline in support of jailed Catalan politicians. He has been charged by the FA with making a political statement. The City boss has until Monday to respond and confirmed he will write to the FA. Guardiola faces a fine on this occasion, but could be banned from the touchline if he commits the same offence again. Asked if he would stop when a ban is threatened, Guardiola replied: ‘Of course, I don’t want to damage my team or club. I am going to write a letter to the FA to explain our position.’