‘WE DO NOT BULLY REFS’
Pep defends City coaching team over claims
PEP GUARDIOLA has hit back at accusations he and his Manchester City staff are guilty of pressuring referees and trying to influence their decisions.
Porto boss Sergio Conceicao accused Guardiola and his coaching staff of “ugly words” and conduct on the touchline during City’s 3-1 Champions League win at the Etihad in October.
Guardiola and Conceicao clashed several times (right) over refereeing decisions, with the latter also accusing the City manager of speaking out of turn to Porto’s players and coaching staff. taff.
But ahead ad of tonight’s return fixture, where City, already through to the last 16, will be looking to clinch first place in the group, Guardiola rejected the charges.
He said: “I don’t agree. Maybe he can say it because it’s his opinion, but I don’t agree that it’s a fact we pressure referees.
“It’s not the way we do it and history speaks for ourselves. We are not this type of team t to d do thi this, honestly. I would admit it, if it was the case.
“So one thing is, when it is an action for something we don’t agree with, then you can make any comment with the assistant, for one specific action.
“But it’s not a part of who we are and, honestly, the five years we are here together, and the people in Germany and Spain, can know completely that our behaviour speaks for itself.
“But I’m just here to say I don’t agree, it’s not true.” City had five players booked in the ill-tempered group opener between the two sides and are expecting a similarly hostile and physical battle in Portugal.
“It will be a tough, physical game, for sure,” said Guardiola. “It was here. I watched Porto’s game against Marseille. They are a team with an incredible spirit, their physicality is outstanding, and it will be tough.
“But we know it, it’s the
Ch Champions i L League away from home, especially with the quality of the players they have.
“With Benfica, they are one of the top teams in Portug Portugal. It’s the sam same as O Olympiakos.
“They have to win every weekend and, when you have this mentality in the club, that makes them so dangerous.”
With City already qualified, Guardiola admitted he will use this game to give some members of his squad some much-needed game-time, although Sergio Aguero is suffering from a knee problem.
City’s all-time leading goalscorer did not train with the squad yesterday, but Guardiola suggested the problem with Aguero’s knee was more one of discomfort than anything serious.
The Argentina striker underwent knee surgery in the summer and has been troubled with associated problems since making his return in mid-October, although Guardiola played down the latest issue.
“He didn’t train but I’m not concerned,” added Guardiola. “It’s a disturbance in the knee, nothing serious.”