Pep: Sorry if we were too loud

CITY BOSS MAKES PARTY APOLOGY

PEP GUARDIOLA says he is sorry if Manchester City’s derby celebrations made Jose Mourinho mad.

But the City boss is adamant his players did nothing wrong by partying in Old Trafford’s away dressing room.

United boss Mourinho vented his fury at City’s players for their behaviour following their 2-1 win on Sunday.

In the ugly scenes that followed, Mourinho had milk and water thrown at him, while City coach Mikel Arteta sustained a cut to his head during the incident.

Guardiola insists his players were not wild or extravagant following the win, but did extend an olive branch to Mourinho. “If we were not correct, then I apologise to all of Manchester United,” Guardiola said ahead of City’s trip to Swansea tonight.

“Our intention was not that. If the people cannot understand that, then I’m sorry.

“We won a derby. If we offended United, not just one player, not just Jose, Manchester United, then I apologise.

“Sometimes United made a lot of celebrations in the past over City. All the managers celebrate sometimes and exceed. But it didn’t happen. We have to enjoy those moments.”

Both clubs are conducting internal investigations into the incidents and have until 6pm today to present their accounts to the FA. The governing body will then determine whether there is enough evidence to pursue charges against individuals or the clubs.

Guardiola clearly feels there is no case to answer, adding: “We won a derby against Manchester United, at that moment the biggest rival we have.

“Do people expect we are not going to celebrate? No. We celebrate.

“We didn’t make anything exceptional with what we have done and always with respect for our opponents.

“We didn’t go on the pitch or something special.

Decide

“I encouraged the players to celebrate the victories but, of course, inside the locker room.

“What happened, happened. Hopefully it cannot not happen again.

“We will make the statement to the FA investigation and they are going to decide.

“We hugged, we jumped, because we were happy. People can understand we were happy. We won the game, an important game.

“We have huge respect for our opponents, not just for Manchester United, but all the opponents.

“Football and life is not about when we lose – you have to accept the defeat.”

Guardiola also revealed that he will be on the lookout for a new defender when the transfer window opens.

The Spaniard said: “We are thinking about it.

“In that department we have few players to handle all the competitions.”