Guardiola watching his weight

LONDON: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked he will come back “fatter” from a long layoff from football as he urged supporters to follow the advice of scientists and medical professionals on Monday.

Guardiola, who donated one million euros to help buy medical supplies for the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in his native Spain last week, posted a video message as part of the English champions’ “Cityzens At Home” campaign to keep fans entertained.

Football in England has been suspended until at least April 30 as part of tight restrictions on personal freedoms to try and halt the spread of Covid-19.

“We miss football. We miss the life that we had a few days ago but now is the time to listen, to follow our scientists, doctors and nurses,” said Guardiola.

“You are my football family and we are going to do everything possible to make you feel better.

“We’ll come back from this stronger, better, kinder and a little bit fatter. Stay inside, stay safe.”

To try and prevent supporters’ piling on the pounds, City players’ favourite recipes have been posted online to promote healthy eating.

Meanwhile, Liverpool should be awarded the Premier League title if the season cannot be completed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said.

Juergen Klopp’s men were a tantalising two wins away from their first league crown since 1990 when the season was suspended earlier this month.

Gundogan, whose side trail Liverpool by 25 points, said if the season could not be finished, Klopp’s side deserved the title.“It would be OK for me,” he said. “As a sportsman you have to be fair.”