Pep calling for an end to ‘the voices’ on Fair Play

PEP GUARDIOLA last night urged UEFA to show clarity as they investigate Manchester City amid revelations about the club’s finances. In the press conference after seeing his side move five points clear of second-placed Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, City manager Guardiola’s focus turned to UEFA. Their president Aleksander Ceferin had confirmed on Monday that what he described as ‘a concrete case’ was being investigated following revelations by Football Leaks about City’s handling of the Financial Fair Play regulations. City had previously been fined by UEFA for breaching FFP rules but the new investigation could culminate in a ban from the Champions League. Guardiola said: ‘UEFA is doing what it is doing and if they find something, the club will make a statement. I’d like to do that, so we’ll know exactly when we are going to finish with the voices. ‘If we did something regular, we will know it. If we didn’t do something regular, the people will finish talking about it. ‘I trust a lot in my club, my organisation and if something is wrong they are going to tell us.’ Guardiola, who insisted his players are not distracted by the furore, has a more imminent cause for anxiety over a muscular injury for striker Sergio Aguero. The Argentine did not play in last night’s victory or in Saturday’s win over Bournemouth and he is now a major doubt for this Saturday’s trip to Chelsea. His understudy, Gabriel Jesus, was much improved last night, creating the second goal for Riyad Mahrez, but the Brazilian also spurned a gilt-edged chance to put City into a threegoal lead. ‘On Aguero, I don’t know,’ Guardiola said. ‘The doctor is going to tell me tomorrow morning. On Jesus, it is important he has chances. He created spaces. He does so many things for us, in pressing and helping in many situations. The most difficult thing in football is to put the ball in the net.’ However, this was another significant City victory and a seventh win on the spin for Guardiola’s side. Defender Vincent Kompany paid tribute to his side’s spirit: ‘It was a good old Premier League game. As soon as Watford scored, long balls started coming. They’re extremely physical up front. Credit to us for staying strong. You can’t win every game playing fantasy football.’ Ben Foster made a string of saves to spare Watford a more comprehensive defeat and he said: ‘If we put that chance away in the first half by Troy Deeney, it may have been a different game. I have to pay credit to the lads but fair play to City, they are relentless. Not so nice to play against but it’s nice to watch.’ Manager Javi Gracia paid tribute to his goalkeeper, saying: ‘Ben Foster was great, it is no surprise to me. ‘When I came to London I thought Big Ben was in the city but no, he is in Watford for us!’