Guardiola relaxed over Man City party with ‘Instagram models’
>> MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola defended his Manchester City stars on Friday following reports they flew in 22 Italian Instagram models for their delayed Christmas party after last weekend’s 6-1 Premier League win at Aston Villa.
The defending champions were not allowed to attend City’s own Christmas event as Guardiola was concerned there would be a repeat of the 2018 gathering that saw several players out into the early hours.
But the City manager said he is a big believer in the value of his squad relaxing together. He made it clear he was aware of the recent party and had no problem with players letting off steam.
“I knew [about] it. When they have time, they make a lot of dinners together, with the staff. They did it many times anyway,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
“And I like it when they are together outside here, they do it sometimes at home, sometimes in a restaurant as was the case. It was nice.”
Guardiola’s side, second in the table, 14 points behind Liverpool ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Guardiola said he will not watch “unstoppable” Liverpool’s game with Manchester United today because the gap between the Premier League leaders and his Manchester City side is too big.
He admits that he is now interested only in securing a top-four finish and chasing honours in three cup competitions rather than events at Anfield involving Liverpool.
“We are far away, they are unstoppable in those terms. We’ve dropped points, we conceded and didn’t win games,” Guardiola said.
“Being so far away means it’s not interesting to look at what Liverpool do. It’s better to focus on what we can do for the rest of the season in the Premier League and other competitions.”
City’s league difficulties have led to speculation that Guardiola’s long-term commitment to the club might be in question, with the Catalan currently under contract only until the end of next season.
“I’m staying unless they sack me — 100 percent unless they don’t like it,” he said.