SM
Barcelona vs. Valencia: 20 hrs 5 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Pep Guardiola hits back at Sergio Conceicao criticism of touchline behaviour

:Headline: Pep Guardiola hits back at Sergio Conceicao criticism of touchline behaviour: ID:424514: from db_amp
Porto boss Sergio Conceicao accused Pep Guardiola and has backroom staff of attempting to influence officials.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit back at Sergio Conceicao's criticism of his behaviour ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Porto.

Porto boss Conceicao accused Guardiola and has backroom staff of attempting to influence officials following the first Group C meeting between the two clubs at the Etihad Stadium in October.

"I've got a lot to learn from Pep Guardiola in the way he pressures referees, talks to opposition players and the opposition dugout," said Conceicao after City came from behind to win 3-1. "We were angels compared to the other dugout."

Porto boss Sergio Conceicao said he was frustrated by Guardiola's behaviour (Paul Ellis/PA)

Guardiola insists he has never acted in such a way throughout his managerial career.

He said: "I'm not agreeing. It's his opinion but I don't agree. We didn't pressure the referee.

"History speaks for itself. We are not this type of team to do this kind of thing.

"I would admit if there's an action you do not agree (with) you can make any comment with the assistant referee but that's one specific action. It's not a part of who we are.

"The five years we are here – and before then in Germany or Spain – our behaviour speaks for itself. I'm just saying I don't agree. It's not true."

City's first meeting with Porto was a fraught affair (Martin Rickett/PA)

City have won three further games since their hard-fought victory over Porto on matchday one to secure their place in the last 16.

For them, clinching top spot is all that is at stake in their remaining two games but Porto still need a point to join City in the knockout stages.

Guardiola is expecting another physical encounter against the Portuguese side at the Estadio do Dragao.

He said: "Yes, it will be a tough, physical game for sure. It was here (in Manchester) and I saw their game against Marseille. They have an incredible team spirit, they fight for each other.

"Their physicality is outstanding and it will be tough. But that's normal, it's the Champions League away."

City's record goalscorer Sergio Aguero will not be involved (Neil Hall/PA)

City will again be without record goalscorer Sergio Aguero. The striker has been suffering discomfort in his knee since the weekend and missed Saturday's 5-0 Premier League victory over Burnley.

The Argentinian's return from knee surgery in the summer has already been complicated by a hamstring injury and the club are unwilling to take risks now, even if the problem is minor.

Guardiola said: "I am not concerned. He did not train. He had a little disturbance in his knee. It is nothing serious but he didn't train."

City not only put aside their goalscoring issues aside in their impressive weekend win but further improved their strong recent defensive record. City, who bolstered their defensive resources with the signings of Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake in the summer, have conceded just six goals in their last 12 games.

Ederson has made the case for City's defence – and taking penalties (Martin Rickett/PA)

Goalkeeper Ederson said: "Our defence is more consistent now. We are developing little by little.

"It doesn't happen from one day to the other. It requires time but we have more players and less injuries than last season."

Ederson, who joined Guardiola at the pre-match press conference, also made clear he was available should City's penalty-taking problems of last season resurface.

The Brazilian said: "I don't train free-kicks but I train for penalties. I am the best penalty-taker but I am not chosen to take them!"

amp_article__424514 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-11-30 17:10:46:
html db last update - 2021-03-10 18:20:37 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Pep Guardiola

Click here for more stories about Manchester City

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .