Sport

Pep Guardiola responds to being accused of lack of respect for Liverpool celebration

  • 01. Apr 2023. 19:26
  • By The EU Times
Latest Articles
This 17th-century portrait was given plumper lips years after it was finished – an expert explains why Holocaust comparisons are overused — but in the case of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel they may reflect more than just the emotional response of a traumatized people Seven original 1970s skateparks that show why these urban treasures should be protected Ukraine recap: western divisions an ominous sign for Kyiv as the aid funding tap begins to dry up Climate ‘tipping points’ can be positive too – our report sets out how to engineer a domino effect of rapid changes Boris Johnson at the COVID inquiry: sullen, evasive and a danger to democracy How bird feeders help small species fight infection Why Israel’s intelligence chiefs failed to listen to October 7 warnings – and the lessons to be learned New investment labels aim to help savers spot sustainable products – but won’t always stop greenwashing When research study materials don’t speak their participants’ language, data can get lost in translation

Pep Guardiola has responded to accusations of a lack of respect towards Liverpool, following his side's celebration of Kostas Tsimikas' goal against the Reds.

The Manchester City manager was accused of a “lack of class” by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who criticised Guardiola's decision to celebrate Tsimikas' second-half strike in last week's 4-2 win at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking ahead of City's clash with West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, Guardiola said: “I am a manager who respects my opponents. The celebration was only for the goal of Kostas Tsimikas, who is a new player for us.

“I understand the opinion of Jamie Carragher, but I think sometimes football is emotional and it was just a reaction to the goal. It was not disrespect.”

Guardiola went on to praise his team for their performance against Liverpool and insisted that they deserved the victory.

He added: “It was an incredible game and we had to fight until the end. We created many chances and we scored four goals against a very good team.

“The players showed me a lot of respect when we won and I think that is the most important thing. We must be happy but in a respectful way.”

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss also praised his players for their efforts in recent weeks, citing their improved defensive performances as key to their success.

He said: “We have been much better defensively in the last few games, and that is the most important thing. We must be solid and be able to control the game in the defensive phase.

“If we can do that, we will have more chances to win games.”

Although Guardiola's side were not at their best against West Brom, they were able to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory thanks to Raheem Sterling's late strike. The win puts them six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.