PEP GUARDIOLA says if ever he has a problem with Manchester City fans he will walk away.
There was uproar amongst some this week when he called on more fans to come to the Etihad on Saturday for their game against Southampton.
They were 17,000 short of capacity against RB Leipzig and his comment brought a swift retort from one fans group.
But City boss Guardiola said: “If I have a problem with the fans I’ll make a step aside. It’s not a problem for me. I am one of them. Since day one.
“I try to do my best. I like to play in the Etihad with my fans. It was tough against Leipzig. In some moments we were incredible.
“We were exhausted, I saw it in the dressing room. In that moment I was thinking of Southampton in three days.
“Come on guys, join us together, to try to beat Ralph’s team. This was my message but if guys want to misunderstand then that is a problem.
“I am here to defend what I said. If I make mistakes I am here to say I’m sorry but in that case I will not apologise for what I said because I know my intentions.”
BETTING SPECIAL – GET RONALDO TO SCORE VS WEST HAM AT 30/1
The General Secretary of the City Supporters’ club Kevin Parker had responded to Guardiola’s comments claiming he should stick to coaching.
Parker said: “I’m not sure what that’s got to do with him. He’s absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way. I think maybe he should stick to that.”
Guardiola said Parker should retract his comments and come to the game to support the team on Saturday.
He said: “Mr Parker should review the comments made a day after. I will not apologise to him, absolutely not.
“We need everybody together, our players and supporters, to do our best. I know our fans will be there to support us and hopefully Mr Parker can come to watch us.
“I made an approach to do something together again on Saturday at 3pm. What I said is that we would love, and need their support.
If I have a problem with the fans I’ll make a step aside.
Pep Guardiola
“Whether it’s 10,000 people, 50,000 or 40,000 – it doesn’t matter how many come – I invite them to come and enjoy a game. We need their support.
“After five seasons, if the people can’t understand my behaviour it is because they want to misunderstand exactly what I said.
“I’m not going to apologise for a second because I was honest.
“In the last 18 months, we have unfortunately done it without them. I was incredibly grateful for the support that we had.
“If you want to join us we will be incredibly happy if you come to see the next game because I know how difficult it will be.
“I’d prefer to be with my people than without my people. But if they don’t come for any reason then it’s perfect.
“I was never here for any reason to say why didn’t you come. If you don’t come, don’t come. If you do, it will be a pleasure.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
