Guardiola weighs in on Bellingham red card controversy ahead of Real Madrid vs Man City | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola spoke to the media ahead of Manchester City’s decisive Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

The talk around Real Madrid, at the moment, is their battle against the refereeing in La Liga, and Guardiola was not spared from answering questions about the same.

On the refereeing controversy

The Manchester City head coach was asked to give his thoughts on Jude Bellingham’s red card during the Osasuna game after he yelled “F*** off* to the referee, who interpreted it as “F*** you.”

In response, Guardiola was lighthearted but made an important distinction, as he said:

“I have not been in England long enough to fully understand how it is used, but insults have always been part of football. The issue is not the insult itself, but the intention behind it. That is what matters.

“You can insult someone with a big smile… but only the player and the referee truly know what was meant. Munuera, right? I know because I read that he is under investigation now. Wow. Just leave them alone…”

In Spain, there has been ongoing debate over refereeing decisions and claims that Real Madrid are unfairly treated. Guardiola dismissed the idea that it would affect the match, saying: “I do not think so.”

When pressed on whether referees were under pressure, he also disagreed, stating: “I do not believe that either. The referee will try to do his best – that is what he wants.

“The whole world is watching, and he wants to make the right decisions. Sometimes mistakes happen, but I do not think he feels pressured.”

Real Madrid take on Manchester City in the UCL. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

On the match

Regarding his previous statement that City had only a 1% chance of progressing, Guardiola admitted he had exaggerated.

“Do you believe me? No? How much of a chance do you think we have?” he asked the journalists.

When they responded that City had more than 1%, he smiled and said: “Well, you are right… this time, I lied! I made that comment because in England, we were practically out… but as the week goes on, you start to believe.

“We do not have the best result, but we will give it a go. I am saying it here so Carlo does not have to call me out on it tomorrow.”

Guardiola also reflected on how much the stadium had changed, stating:

“The stadium has changed a lot because I was so used to the old one, still under construction. I did not feel anything special when I arrived. I will have a good dinner tonight… and tomorrow, we all know what we need to do better.”

Asked about the availability of key duo Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, he remained cautious, saying: “They have travelled, we will see tomorrow. But it is good that they are here.”

Source: AS