“I just asked if our goal was cool…”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apologized for the controversial goal celebration against Liverpool.
Man City won 4-1 in the English Premier League (EPL) Round 29 home match held at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England on the 1st (Korean time).
Manchester City were strong even when ‘monster striker’ Elling Hollan could not play due to injury. Alvarez, who started in place of Halan, flew wildly. The opening goal came from Liverpool. In the 16th minute of the first half, in a counterattack, Mohamed Salah, who took over Diogo Jota’s pass, shook the net with his left foot. However, Álvarez equalized in the 27th minute of the first half, and after the first half ended 1-1, Man City’s onslaught began in the second half. Starting with Kevin Debrawiner’s come-from-behind goal in the 1st minute of the second half, Gundogan in the 9th minute and Grealish in the 29th minute scored one after another, and Manchester City won a big victory. 메이저사이트
In the 27th minute of the first half, when Alvarez shook the net and the equalizer exploded, Guardiola ran across the touchline and held a splendid self-congratulatory ceremony. Liverpool substitute Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas clenched his fists and cheered hotly in the face. Following this, he performed a strange ceremony where he also shook hands with Artur Mello.
Rio Ferdinand, commentating for BT Sports, said, “It’s impressive how Tsimikas keeps his composure. I don’t know how he didn’t push the opposing team manager away.” Fans criticized the ceremony for lack of respect for the opposing team despite the big win, and critical questions about this scene came up at the post-game press conference.
When asked what he had exchanged with his opponents, Guardiola replied, “I was so happy and said, ‘Wasn’t our goal great?’ That’s all.” When asked if it was just for fun, Guardiola said, “Of course, let’s not do that (Of course, come on)” and was wary of an extended interpretation.
When another reporter asked, ‘Isn’t that kind of a celebration a lack of respect for Liverpool players?’, he apologized with an irritated expression. “Do you think I lacked respect for the other person? If so, I’m sorry.”