‘Don’t talk too Loud, Barcelona!’ – Pep Guardiola Hits Back at Josep Bartomeu over City’s UCL Ban

Manchester City’s boss Pep Guardiola yet again defended his club over their recent two-year ban from the Champions League Wednesday night.

He also hit back at Barcelona’s president, Josep Bartomeu, who, last week, expressed support for City’s suspension.

“Don’t talk too loud, Barcelona, that’s my advice, because everybody is involved in situations,” Pep Guardiola said after his team’s 2-0 win over Westham Wednesday night.

Although Bartomeu has always admitted his club is open to welcoming Guardiola, his decision to praise UEFA for banning City for violating Financial Fair Play rules rubbed Pep the wrong way.

The Barcelona president made his remarks last week at a press conference to deny claims that he had hired a PR company to attack club enemies.

“I would like to thank UEFA regarding FFP, they’ve been doing fantastic work in the last couple of years,” Bartomeu said. “We have regular investigations, and we have supported UEFA in everything it does in football.”

UEFA found City guilty of overstating their sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016 so that they could spend more money in transfer windows. As a result, the European Football regulatory body handed the EPL club a two-year ban from participating in the UCL until 2022.

On the other end, City’s club officials, led by Guardiola, have remained defiant their organization is innocent that the truth will prevail. In fact, the club’s head coach also confirmed on Wednesday that they will appeal UEFA’s recent decision.

“We appeal,” Guardiola told reporters. “When someone believes they are right, they have to fight.”

The former Barcelona boss went to talk about City’s professionalism and work ethic on the field. He also noted that his players, who will be affected by the ban, have little control over what goes on in the club’s boardroom.

“We are professionals on the pitch, what happens off it we cannot do much about.” Guardiola said.

Gives us the Right to Appeal

While addressing Barcelona’s spying woes, Guardiola admitted he was not sure if the LaLiga giants had spied on him.

“I don’t know if they spied on me,” he told reporters. “If it happened, they know me, so it is not necessary to spy on me.”

Guardiola also asked Bartomeu to give City a chance what they (Barcelona) were asking from their fans.

“He asks right now the people trust what they have done, so that is what we are going to do,” Pep said.

“And if they are happy we are suspended, I’d say to the president of Barcelona, give us the (right) to appeal, you know.”

I will be here

When Pep was asked if he is considering leaving City after the recent ban, his response was:

“If they don’t sack me, I will be here. I love this club. I like to be here. This is my club, and I will be here no matter (what).”

Pep also reminded his reporters that his club’s primary target presently is to continue playing to the end.

“Until the resolution is made, you have to play and play, and that is what is going to happen,” he said.