Pep Guardiola has attempted to clarify his remarks about supporters after calling for fans to turn out in larger numbers for Tuesday’s clash against Manchester United.
The City boss expressed frustration after a crowd of 39,223 attended Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, a figure well below the venue’s 55,000 capacity.
Some fans took offence at Guardiola’s comments, feeling the manager was not taking into account the considerable cost to fans of attending the high number of games the club are playing.
City host United in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, leading 3-1 from the first encounter earlier this month.
After their dominant performance at Old Trafford, City are firm favourites but Guardiola is not taking anything for granted.
He said: “It’s Man United. They can do it, they have done it. In these kind of games against incredible teams with incredible history, they have pride and I know how difficult it will be to reach the final.”
Guardiola has also weighed into the debate about the fielding of weakened teams in cup competitions.
He said: “We accept the schedules of the competitions, the games every two or three days, but don’t tell the manager which the selection he has to choose, please. That’s our job.”
