Coach Pep Guardiola has denied comments that he was “disrespectful” in the situation of his goal celebration in the great match Man City vs Liverpool in the 29th round of the Premier League.
Playing at home and the task of winning to chase Arsenal in the title race, but Man City was soon led by the visitors Liverpool with the opening goal in the 17th minute of Mohamed Salah. However, just 10 minutes later, Man City brought the match back to the starting line with a methodical attack arrangement. Jack Grealish was the one to pass in from the left to Julian Alvarez to cushion the ball into Alisson Becker’s net.
Witnessing the landmark equalizer that opened the jubilant 4-1 victory of Man City , coach Guardiola was as happy as crazy outside the piste. In a video that went viral on social media, Pep arched his back, punching his hands in the air with extreme joy. At that moment, Liverpool’s reserve players including Joe Matip, Kostas Tsimikas and Arthur Melo walked over.
Immediately, Guardiola turned to Tsimikas, repeatedly saying something provocative. It is this that makes the Spanish strategist receive a lot of criticism from the fans. Even on television, former player Rio Ferdinand felt uncomfortable and commented on BT Sport: “That celebration, somehow Tsimikas didn’t push coach Pep Guardiola out of the way”.
However, in his post-match statement, coach Guardiola explained his celebration: “I was very happy and told (to Tsimikas) how beautiful our goal was.”
Asked if his expressions could be seen as provocative or disrespectful, Guardiola added, in his signature sarcastic style: “No. I’m very sorry. Ask him if I disrespectful, ask Tsimikas I celebrate the goal the way I do with my son I’m so sorry Do you think it’s disrespectful Then ok, I’m so sorry! “.
