Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has questioned the sporting merits of a European Super League without promotion or relegation.

Guardiola is the first figure from City to speak publicly since it was announced the club were one of six rebels from the Premier League intending join a breakaway rival competition to the Champions League.

The City boss admitted he was uncomfortable doing so having been given little more detail than was published in the bombshell joint statement from all 12 clubs involved on Sunday.

The clubs involved have been accused of greed and self-interest but Guardiola did point out, however, they are not the only ones in the game that could have that charge levelled at them.

He said: “Every club defends his own position. Don’t be cynical and say (they do it) for the other ones.

“Everyone makes his own interest. When you talk about the Premier League, he looks after his interest. UEFA looks after his interest and, when you arrive at that point, UEFA has failed. They have to communicate and be in touch before.

“In this most difficult season for the Covid pandemic (we asked) for five substitutions and every team looked for himself, not for the players.”