Manchester City fans shun Pep Guardiola after he says he wants more supporters’ at Etihad against Southampton.
Manchester City fans shun Pep Guardiola after he says he wants more supporters at the stadium against Southampton.
The Spaniard wants more fans in attendance than they got in the victory against Leipzig in the Champions League.
The general secretary of City’s official supporters’ club Kevin Parker wants Guardiola to be more considerate of circumstances.
He insists the supporters’ have difficulties and challenges as he wants the former Barcelona boss to understand that.
“[What he said] did surprise me,” Parker said. “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.
“It does also play into the hands of supporters from other teams who want to take every opportunity to have a go at City for what they think are the poor attendances.
“People refer to the Etihad as the ‘Emptyhad’. 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.”
