Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola may be enduring a frustrating season, but that didn’t stop him from subtly taking aim at rivals Manchester United, whose struggles have been even more glaring.
With City out of the Champions League, Carabao Cup, and likely to surrender their Premier League title, Guardiola’s side is fighting to finish inside the top five and possibly lift the FA Cup. Still, he couldn’t resist highlighting United’s current woes.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be fighting to qualify for the Champions League,” he told reporters. “You could be in a very low position in the Premier League if you have done fewer good things than we have done in these four, five months. We could be 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th.”
That final line appeared to be a not-so-subtle jab at Manchester United, who currently sit 14th on the table and are relying on Europa League glory to secure Champions League football next season.
While it’s been far from a vintage campaign for either Manchester side, Guardiola’s comments add extra spice to a city rivalry that has seen City dominate in recent years.
What’s next:
- City face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
- United host Wolves a day later in a must-win game at Old Trafford.
