“I don’t see why he comments on it.”
Manchester City supporters have responded to Pep Guardiola’s rallying cry for more fans to go to the Etihad after an underwhelming attendance for their nine-goal thriller against RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
Guardiola was pleased with his team’s performance but finished his post-match interview by asking more people to come on Saturday for their Premier League game against Southampton.
“I would like more people to come next game on Saturday, we need the people next Saturday. Please,” he said.
“We will be tired. I know the team from Ralph [Hasenhuttl, Southampton manager] is quite similar to the way they play. They are so, so dangerous with good quality and it’s a really important game for us.
“So I invite to all our people to come next Saturday, 3pm, to watch the game.”
While Guardiola probably didn’t think too deeply about the comment, City fans have not taken it well. The club’s official supporters’ group have questioned why the manager felt the need to speak on the matter at all.
General secretary of City’s official supporters’ club Kevin Parker told Sky Sports: “[What he said] did surprise me.”
“I’m not sure what that’s got to do with him. He doesn’t understand the difficulties that some people might have getting to a game at the Etihad on a Wednesday evening at 8pm.
“They’ve got kids to think of, they might not be able to afford it, [and] there are still some Covid issues about. I don’t see why he comments on it.
“He’s absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that.”
“It just takes the edge off what was a good night. People are talking more about Pep’s comments than a fantastic game. To question the support, which is effectively what he is doing, is disappointing and uncalled for.”
Parker went on to explain how Pep’s comments do nothing to combat the jibes from opposition fans about the stadium not being full.
“People refer to the Etihad as the ‘Emptyhad’,” he explained.
“It’s a little bit of fun by the opposition supporters but there’s no justification for it. It’s not factual. Our attendances are generally excellent.”
