PEP BITES HIS LIP OVER REF BLUNDER

PEP GUARDIOLA refused to be drawn on the performance of referee Damir Skomina last night for fear of another Champions League ban. Manchester City were incensed by a number of the Slovene’s decisions and Guardiola — back on the touchline after serving a one-match suspension against Lyon — saw Leroy Sane denied a clear penalty. ‘I don’t want to talk about the officials (because) I want to be on the bench with my players in the next game,’ Guardiola said. ‘I know what happened against Monaco (in 2017) and Liverpool (last season). I don’t want to talk about these officials, I know what happened.’ Last night’s victory gave City’s European aspirations a lift but their manager believes reaching the quarter-finals or better should be considered a success for the one-time competition favourites. ‘For me, it’s a surprise when they say City will win,’ Guardiola added. ‘I appreciate it, thank you, but it’s not true. We are a step below the history of Liverpool, the Spanish teams, Bayern Munich, Juventus. That’s what I believe. We’ll try to get to the last eight — that’s a huge success for City.’