Pep Guardiola questioned by The Times over the “City case”

Pep Guardiola has been hit with a tough challenge from The Times after the Manchester City was found guilty over financial irregularities. In the paper, columnist Matthew Syed argues that Guardiola’s bench role during two seasons lines up with what he calls an “adulterated era.”

Syed places the Premier League investigation in the 2009 to 2018 window and links it to seasons Guardiola coached, including the one in which he won his first Premier League title with the club. The journalist lays out two options: “Either Pep knew, and then he isn’t any sort of visionary or legend—just a fraud, or he didn’t know and then he’s the most shortsighted person.” He adds a “third alternative”: hypocrisy.

On Wednesday, Guardiola released his first statement since the club’s conviction was announced. “I want every Manchester City fan to know that I’m here; more than ever. Let’s be clear: we’ll get through this together. I love you all,” he said, backing the club, its leadership, the squad, and the fans.