Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s plan sign the book of condolence on the death of Sir Bobby Charlton when his team visit Old Trafford on Sunday to face arch-rivals Manchester United.
Charlton, winner of the 1966 World Cup with England and a great United legend, whom he led to win the European Cup in 1968, died on Saturday aged 86.
“They don’t represent us,” Guardiola said today in the press conference ahead of the Mancunian derby in reference to the “disgusting chants”, as he himself defined them, that a sector of City fans chanted against Charlton last Saturday in the Premier League match against Brighton at the Etihad. “Alcohol does bad things to people.”
The city suspended two minors who attended the games after a video surfaced on social networks singing ‘Bobby’s in a box’ during the game which the ‘citizens’ won 2-1.
The condolence book will be signed
“What this represents for us is that I’m going to Old Trafford to sign the book of condolence on behalf of Manchester City,” said Guardiola. “We have enormous respect for Manchester United and especially for the icon and figure Sir Bobby Charlton.”
Pep concluded: “Our deepest condolences to his family and to Manchester United. They are always and always will be there.”
“The derby is special, but a match”
Regarding the derby, Guardiola highlighted the fact that “when I was at Barcelona, at Bayern Munich and I traveled to England to play against United at Old Trafford, it was always special, special stage, special place and, of course, It’s special for our fans.”
That said, Guardiola pointed out: “But at the end of the day, it’s a football game. It’s not like the FA Cup final or games where a win or a loss can determine whether or not you win the Premier League. It’s still the tenth day, so 87 points left to play“It’s a different game and you have to focus on what you have to do to beat them.”
City lost at Old Trafford last season
City, the current Premier League champions, crushed United last season at the Etihad (6-3), but lost at Old Trafford (2-1). Last June, the ‘citizens’ defeated the ‘red devils’ in the FA Cup final (2-1) a few days before winning the Champions League and closing the treble.
City go to Old Trafford on Sunday in second place in the Premier while United are eighth with six points below.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
