Man City manager Pep Guardiola reiterates his criticism of the officiating.
Pep Guardiola has reiterated his criticism of referees despite facing backlash for his remarks regarding debut referee Farai Hallam, emphasizing his responsibility to safeguard the interests of Manchester City.
Guardiola was infuriated after Hallam, officiating his inaugural Premier League match, dismissed the VAR’s recommendation and opted not to award City a penalty during their 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
His statement that “now everyone will know him [Hallam]” has attracted criticism.
This marks Guardiola’s latest criticism of referees following his outburst after the 2-0 victory against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semifinal at St James’ Park, where Antoine Semenyo had a goal disallowed by the video assistant.
The City manager was also displeased that Diogo Dalot escaped a red card during the loss to Manchester United, and he has consistently pointed out other significant decisions he believes have been unfavorable to his team, including in the Premier League loss at Newcastle in November and last season’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.
“If he [Hallam] feels offended, I apologize,” Guardiola stated. “With their statements, they [the referees] support one another, which is completely understandable.
“They need to do that. However, at the same time, I must defend my club. How many times did I criticize the referees last season, which was the worst in a decade? How many times? What happened against [Manchester] United? After the United match, what were my comments regarding the referees? Tell me.
“I have been incredibly respectful in my nine or ten years with the referees, in losses and everything, never commenting on anything at all.
“I recognize they support each other, and pundits and everyone else defend them. I completely understand that. But I defend my players and my club. That is why I owe it to them — my club and my supporters — what transpired in that situation.”
City will face Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, with a spot in the top eight of the Champions League at stake.
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Their preparations have been enhanced by Arsenal’s loss to Manchester United on Sunday.
This narrows the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just four points, but Guardiola has cautioned his players against becoming overly focused on developments at the Emirates.
“My advice to them is to concentrate on their own tasks,” Guardiola remarked. “If we are pleased and optimistic merely because our rivals lose a match, it will not be beneficial. We can perform better to secure victories.
“Now it’s a different competition, and we are already qualified, which is positive, but it will be crucial to finish in the top eight.”
