IT’S REF ON PEP

City boss blasts back

GETTING UGLY: Guardiola and Conceicao clash on the touchline at the Etihad

Porto boss Sergio Conceicao accused Guardiola and his coaching staff of “ugly words” and conduct on the touchline during City’s 3- 1 Champions League win at the Etihad in October.

The pair clashed several times over decisions, with Conceicao also accusing the City boss of speaking out of turn to his players and coaching staff.

But ahead of tonight’s return fixture, where City, already through to the last 16, will be looking to clinch first place in the group, Guardiola hit back.

He said: “Maybe he can say it because it’s his opinion but I don’t agree we pressure the referees.

“It’s not the way we do it and history speaks for ourselves. We are not this type of team to do this, honestly. I would admit it.

“So one thing is, when it is an action for something we don’t agree with, then you can make any comment with the assistant, for one specific action.

“But it’s not a part of who we are and, honestly, the five years we are here together, and the people in Germany and Spain, can know that our behaviour speaks for itself.”

City had five players booked in the ill- tempered group opener between the two sides and is expecting a similarly hostile and physical battle in Portugal.

“It will be a tough, physical game, for sure,” said Guardiola.

“I watched their game with Marseille. They play with incredible spirit, their physicality is outstanding and it will be tough.” Guardiola will use the game to give some members of his squad some much- needed game- time, although Sergio Aguero is suffering from a knee problem and may miss out.

City’s all- time leading scorer did not train with the squad yesterday but Guardiola suggested the problem was more of a discomfort, rather than anything serious.