Manchester City will host Newcastle United in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final at the Etihad Stadium, with the Blues holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg. In the second part of the pre-match press conference, City manager Pep Guardiola was again asked about recent refereeing issues. The Catalan coach stated that the team’s dip in form is not due to the officials, but also shared his views on some controversial decisions.
On refereeing issues
“Last season was arguably our worst in a decade – how many times did we talk about referees? How many times? Honestly… zero. Do you remember my comment after the Old Trafford game [about the potential red card]? I said, ‘We don’t deserve anything.’
We can agree or disagree on the Tottenham game – I loved that match, we did so many things right. It was a close contest. I know why things turned out that way, it wasn’t our fault; the opponents made their runs, but we didn’t convert our chances.
After that, these images have been right in front of our eyes. If you see them and don’t agree, that’s fine. If you don’t agree with the high-impact decisions in the last four games, that’s fine too. I won’t waste time discussing this.”
On current results
“The club’s hierarchy does not allow us to make excuses; we have to focus on what we must do. That’s why my team and I have won 13 or 14 trophies – because we never make excuses. Last season proved that. The performances were poor, and the problems were within ourselves.
As a coach, as the club’s spokesperson, to the players, to the club – the responsibility is always on my shoulders. We have to do better. We have to find a way, just like we are doing now. Do you think our second-half slumps are because of the referees? No. The players know that.”
On the changes the team needs to make
“What’s past is past; what do we do? Play better, defend better, create more chances, run more, score more goals. That’s what we’ve always done. We won the Premier League with 100 points – you need 100, or 97, or over 90 points to win it. You have to be at your best, otherwise it’s too difficult for any club, especially Man City. I know the reality, lads.
I know the comments from Sky Sports and everyone else about the decisions. I know what they’re saying. We’ve seen it, we know it. We’re in the Champions League quarter-finals because of our own efforts. When we play really badly, I don’t blame the referees. Do you have to uphold the system? Of course you do. I understand that.
The good and the bad are down to us, and we have to keep getting better – that’s why we’ve won so many trophies, because we always focus on what we have to do. But, lads, I’m sorry, this is all right in front of me today, and it wasn’t like this before.”
On the team repeatedly losing leads in the second half
“I saw a statistic: if we hadn’t lost leads in the second half, we’d be 12 points clear of Arsenal now… Considering our current situation, I think we’ve done extremely well in many aspects. Our position in the Premier League is fully deserved. Just a little more effort – and we’ll reach our target, we’re closer.”
On Rodri’s comments about referees
“Our current position is of our own making, being six points behind Arsenal is our responsibility, entirely our own. The images are there, I have my opinion, others have theirs.
Do you think someone is targeting Man City?
Absolutely not! I know we have to overcome all adversities. Of course, the referees don’t sit in a meeting and say, ‘We’re going to punish Man City…’ I’ve never said that… I’m not a referee, and I swear to God I’ll never be one. Never.
Marc Guehi controlled the ball, then was kicked from behind – leading to an own goal. It wasn’t Solanke’s goal, it was Guehi. He brought the ball down, was fouled from behind, and the ball went in. If people think that’s a goal, so be it. I disagree, but nothing will change.”
On Rodri’s comments again
“In those situations, you feel it. Sometimes after the game… Rodri knows. I’ve always said we have to do better! He knows that. What should we do? Score more goals. In the second half, in difficult moments, we have to control ourselves better. That’s for sure. That’s what we have to do.
But the images are there. You can agree or disagree, nothing will change, right? I have no doubt about that. I know those great editors say we’re complaining because we’re frustrated at being behind Arsenal. Last season, when Liverpool were ahead, did I say anything against them?
Because our chairman, CEO, manager, players – we don’t allow that. I’ve said don’t talk about this, focus on what we have to do. But when the images are right in front of you, I’m sorry – this isn’t a one-off or twice.
When we’re leading 5-0, 6-0 – it doesn’t matter. But when the game is tight… We lost to United; tell me, if we’d had 11 vs 10 for 80 minutes because of Dalot’s foul, would the result have changed? I said in the press conference that we could have won that game if we kept playing the same way. Do you remember?!
I’ve always been friendly to the referees, but they don’t seem to believe me.”
