Guardiola Stands Firm on Gaza Remarks Despite Backlash
A defiant Pep Guardiola has robustly defended his right to speak out on international conflicts, including Israel's attacks on Gaza, after facing criticism from the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region. The Manchester City manager, who earlier this week condemned the killing of innocent people in conflicts worldwide, insisted he will not be silenced despite calls to "focus on football."
"Why should I not express what I feel? Just because I'm a manager," Guardiola stated emphatically during Friday's pre-match press conference. "I don't agree but I respect all opinions. What I said basically is how many conflicts there are right now all around the world. I condemn all of them."
Specific Conflicts Mentioned
The 55-year-old specifically named Sudan, Palestine and Ukraine when discussing innocent victims in global conflicts. "The genocide in Palestine, what happened in Ukraine, what happened all around the world – in Sudan, everywhere. What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It's our problem as human beings," Guardiola elaborated.
He also delivered a speech supporting Palestinian children at a Barcelona charity event recently. However, the Jewish Representative Council responded sharply, posting on X and their website: "We have repeatedly asked for prominent individuals to be mindful about the words they use given how Jewish people have had to endure attacks across the globe. Pep Guardiola is a football manager. Whilst his humanitarian reflections may be well-intentioned, he should focus on football."
The statement continued: "Manchester City is being let down by him repeatedly straying into commentary on international affairs. This is the second time in a week he has decided to offer his controversial views on the Middle East conflict."
Haaland's Form and Liverpool Clash
Guardiola now prepares his team for Sunday's crucial late kickoff at Liverpool, with star striker Erling Haaland having scored just once from open play in his last ten appearances. Haaland was surprisingly dropped for Wednesday's 3-1 Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Newcastle, failing to score again as a late substitute despite Omar Marmoush's brace in his place.
Nevertheless, Guardiola maintained unwavering support for his Norwegian forward: "Erling is the best striker in the world. I don't know if he plays at Liverpool but I always say Erling is the best."
Arteta Extends Apology to Rosenior After Warm-Up Incident
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has apologised to Chelsea's Liam Rosenior for any disruption caused to Chelsea's warm-up before their Carabao Cup semi-final clash. Rosenior was captured on television launching into a tirade against an unidentified Arsenal staff member who he believed had encroached into Chelsea's half during pre-match preparations at the Emirates Stadium.
"If at any point one of the staff members went through that, we apologise and that's it," Arteta stated diplomatically. "It's very common in football, especially with the keepers because they have to keep long balls and all that, so nothing left to comment."
Injury Concerns and Title Race Focus
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard remain doubtful for Arsenal's upcoming match against Sunderland on Saturday, where the Gunners could extend their lead at the Premier League summit to nine points before Manchester City face Liverpool twenty-four hours later.
Arteta emphasised the importance of blocking out external distractions: "I would engage with the things that, in my opinion, are relevant for the team, and what is the best for the team and the club." The Spaniard received only his second yellow card of the season against Chelsea for contesting a referee's decision, acknowledging the challenge of emotional control: "Sometimes it's difficult because you cannot be aware constantly about everything, and we are human beings, and we react to things, so I think it's normal."
Howe Dismisses Speculation About Newcastle Future
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has moved decisively to quell mounting speculation that he could depart St James' Park at season's end following a disappointing run of results. The Carabao Cup holders' defence ended with a 5-1 aggregate semi-final defeat to Manchester City, leaving them eleventh in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday's fixture against Brentford.
"My individual future isn't really relevant. Who knows? I don't know my length of time here, I've got no idea," Howe declared. "I just try to do my best every day until told differently."
Transfer Window Assessment
Howe acknowledged the significant impact of losing £130 million striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool during the summer, while the £219 million spent on Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey has yet to deliver full returns. "For me, it's too early to make strong conclusions from that transfer window. At this moment in time, I'd probably say let's see where we are at the end of the season," he explained, advocating for patience with new signings.
Iraola Focuses on Performances Over Transfers
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola firmly rejected suggestions that the club's January transfer activity would influence his future, with his contract set to expire this summer. Despite losing Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City last month, the Cherries brought in Alex Toth, Rayan and Ademide Solanke alongside goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Christos Mandas.
"The market is not the important thing for me. The important thing is the performances, how we build a team, how we play games, how we can continue getting points," Iraola asserted ahead of Saturday's match against Aston Villa.
