City manager calls on Liverpool fans to act responsibly

Pep Guardiola has called on Liverpool fans to live up to their traditional friendly reputation as Manchester City prepare to travel to Anfield tomorrow.

City’s team bus was attacked outside the stadium when it last visited the ground for a Champions League tie in

April, with windows smashed as it was hit by missiles. City needed to source an alternative vehicle for their trip home.

No arrests were made after the incidents but Merseyside Police have this week announced increased security measures will be in place. It is also understood the team will take a different, as yet undisclosed, route to the stadium. Even so, it has been reported that some City fans are calling for visiting supporters to arrive early to line the streets to try to protect the bus themselves. Guardiola feels that should be unnecessary. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the City manager said: “I think the best way to protect the bus is for the Liverpool fans to be as Liverpool fans supposedly are. “The best way is that when the people arrive at the stadium, (they are) going to see football game and enjoy watching both sides. The best way is that we should not need the police. Why should the police need to be there? For what? We arrive there, both sides, to play a Premier League game. Why should our fans have to protect our bus? Are you kidding me?

“I would like the police to go home at 4.30 with their families, drinking a beer and loving the show. That is what they should do. But that depends on the Liverpool people, not on Manchester City.”

Guardiola’s annoyance at what happened in April was still evident when he was asked earlier about the matter.

“Liverpool should be upset not myself,” he said. “Liverpool, not me. The police knew it before it happened. Now they know it. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”