Supporters should show Guardiola the respect he deserves

PERHAPS some people were sunbathing in their gardens.

Perhaps others chose to make the most of the warm weather and have a barbecue.

Perhaps Britain’s most expensive footballer Jack Grealish doesn’t tick all the boxes.

Or perhaps those who chose not to go to The

Etihad to watch Pep Guardiola’s side don’t have the wit to realise the fact they’ve never had it so good.

Guardiola used his programme notes to offer an olive branch to supporters when he said: “I just wanted to say, it’s been a huge privilege and pleasure to be the Manchester City manager for every single one of those matches (300).

“Thank you so much for your continued support. It means so much to me, the players and everyone working here.”

Quite frankly, Pep, the privilege is all ours, mate. Since coming into English football the Spanish genius has won 10 trophies, including back-to-back titles and four League Cups on the spin.

And he’s done so with a brand of football never seen before on these shores.

It has been brilliant and beautiful in equal measure.

But no matter how great the product Guardiola puts out, he still can’t walk out to a jam-packed stadium.

His comments in the week caused a row with Manchester City supporters’ groups, who took exception to Guardiola’s calls for

BIG MATCH VERDICT

By more fans to come to their matches.

Kevin Parker, general secretary of City’s official supporters’ club, said the comments were “frustrating”.

Imagine how frustrated Guardiola must feel having given the club the most successful period in their history, trophies galore, a £100million signing and 16 goals in three games before this one, but still not seeing their ground rammed to the rafters?

Guardiola is right to bring the issue to attention because he deserves more respect.

At least those who turned up showed their love for Guardiola, taking just 70 seconds to break into a chorus of “We’re glad all over, we’ve got Guardiola”.

It was just a shame his players didn’t have the same enthusiasm.

Lacklustre from start to finish, the champions struggled to get out of first gear.

City are going to have to do much better to stand a chance of full houses – but even this might still not be enough.