Man City coach, Pep Guardiola says he is not sorry for fans’ comments after he asked more fans to attend Southampton’s game.
An attendance of 38,062 watched City’s 6-3 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday. Fast forward, Guardiola said the club “needs” more supporters to attend Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton at the 55,000-seater Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s comments irked the general secretary of City’s official supporters’ club, Kevin Parker, who said the City’s coach should “stick” to coaching as he “doesn’t understand the difficulties” supporters face.
Parker also pointed out City’s two Premier League home attendances so far this season, against Norwich (51,437) and Arsenal (52,276), have been close to capacity.
In response, Guardiola said, “did I say after the game that I was disappointed that the stadium was not full? An interpretation is an interpretation”.
“I am surprised about what happened with this man. It’s not the first time I’ve said this in my career. I am not going to apologize for what I said. What I said was we need the support. It doesn’t matter how many people come but I invite them to come and enjoy the game because we need the support”.
“Always I’ve said, guys if you want to join us, I will be incredibly happy because I know how difficult it will be. I prefer to be with my people than without my people. But if they don’t come for any reason, it’s perfect”.
“I never say ‘why didn’t you come? Mr. Parker should review the comments I’ve done the day after, but I will not apologize to him”.
“The club is the most important thing and the most important part of the club is the fans. They sustain it. I love this club; I am part of this club. When people are not happy with me I will leave, that is for sure”.