Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola held back from criticizing the refereeing decisions but didn’t hide his displeasure.
During City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, Guardiola was seen reacting emotionally towards fourth official Andrew Madley after a controversial moment involving Kyle Walker and referee Michael Oliver.
Walker had left his defensive position to speak with Oliver during a break in play, following the referee’s request to have a word with the City captain. However, this brief conversation proved costly. While Walker was away, Arsenal took advantage and launched the ball over his vacated position, leading to Gabriel Martinelli setting up Riccardo Calafiori for a questionable equalizer.
The City players were furious, with goalkeeper Ederson receiving a booking for his protests and Guardiola visibly frustrated, even kicking a chair in anger. Moments later, City’s frustrations were compounded as Ederson was impeded, allowing Gabriel to score from a corner.
Despite the controversy, Guardiola emphasized that his players needed to be better organized, regardless of external factors. He acknowledged that his team could have defended better, particularly regarding the blocked goal. However, moving forward, he plans to advise his players not to step out of position for a referee’s request again.
“It’s a question for referees, [the block on Ederson]. I don’t think. It’s a block. Sometimes there are blocks, sometimes it’s disallowed, sometimes it’s a goal. I don’t know.”
Guardiola was clear that Walker’s absence during the quick free-kick was critical, and his team must be prepared for such situations.
“If the referee tells Walker to go 20 miles away from his position, he might have to wait, but we need to organize better. The second block, I’m not sure about Ederson, but we have to defend Gabriel better, and Kyle didn’t do that.”
He admitted that City needed to adapt better to the way the game was being managed.
“If they bring this type of game, we have to deal with it. And we did. If Kyle can’t be there, then Ruben and Kova without Rodri must organize. One player needs to be in position to prevent a quick free-kick, avoid a yellow card, but still be there.”
Guardiola concluded with a clear stance on how he will approach future games. “Next time, I will tell my players, if the referee asks you to come and talk, don’t go. I will say, ‘you come to me.’”
