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Guardiola: “I do it for the cameras”

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Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

The unsatisfactory 0-0 draw in the top game of the English Premier League against Arsenal still seems to be bothering Pep Guardiola days later. At a press conference on Tuesday, Manchester City's star coach made a remarkable appearance - and let a journalist feel his bad mood with an unusual amount of sarcasm after his question.

Why did he criticize his player Jack Grealish while gesticulating wildly on the pitch immediately after the final whistle of the top game against Arsenal FC (0-0)? "I do it for the cameras, for my ego," said the team manager of English champions Manchester City about this habit at his press conference on Tuesday and smiled mockingly.

"I'm the celebrity in the team, when I'm filmed I can sleep well because I feel incredible satisfaction," Guardiola continued. He also “always tries to criticize the players and make them feel how bad they are.” And if, for example, star striker Erling Haaland scores three goals, "then that's my achievement, not that of the players."

“It’s still about something for every team”

Guardiola therefore had “good advice” for the TV stations broadcasting: “Stop filming us, then there won’t be a problem.”

Manchester City dropped two points in the 0-0 draw against Arsenal in the top game on Sunday. In the title race, the Champions League winner is now third, three points behind leaders Liverpool FC and also has the worse goal difference. After the game against Arsenal, Guardiola gave instructions to his players while gesticulating wildly on the pitch.

The Catalan (53) is looking forward to the end of the season with a certain amount of tension. "It's still at stake for every team," he said, "the last few games will be difficult to manage." The fact that City have experience in this is of no use, he claimed. »That doesn't count anymore. What counts is Aston Villa.« The fourth-placed team is Manchester's next league opponent on Wednesday (9:15 p.m./Sky), which is three points behind leaders Liverpool FC.

Guardiola will then be without injured defender Nathan Ake, he confirmed. Goalkeeper Ederson and defender Kyle Walker are also still out, John Stones could “maybe” play again, said Guardiola.

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