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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed concern for Jack Grealish and Phil Foden after both players were subjected to abuse during last weekend’s goalless draw against Manchester United.
Grealish was allegedly slapped by a supporter while leaving the pitch at Old Trafford, with a man subsequently charged with assault. Foden, meanwhile, was the target of a vile chant directed at his mother during the match, prompting Guardiola’s sharp criticism of the fans involved.
“They [Foden and Grealish] don’t feel good, but we move forward,” Guardiola said on Friday. “If you take a look around, you’ll realise we are not on the right path. It’s a crazy world, right? These things are happening everywhere, not just in sport.”
He added: “It’s not an issue limited to one club or even football — this kind of behaviour is becoming common across society.”
While Guardiola is no stranger to competing for Premier League titles at this stage of the season, City currently sit sixth in the table and are fighting just to secure Champions League qualification.
There was, however, some positive news, as UEFA confirmed that a top-five finish will now be enough to guarantee a Champions League place next season, thanks to the strong performances of English clubs in Europe.
Still, City face an uphill battle, with just six points separating third-placed Nottingham Forest and seventh-placed Aston Villa. Guardiola’s squad is also hampered by injuries to key players, including Rodri, Erling Haaland, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake.
“We haven’t had a full squad all season, but we adapt,” Guardiola said. “You can see it as a problem or as a challenge. Some might call our position a disaster, but it could be worse. I’m actually really satisfied with how we’ve managed the situation.”
City will look to regain momentum on Saturday when they welcome in-form Crystal Palace for the lunchtime kick-off. A win could temporarily lift them into the top four, ahead of Sunday’s fixtures involving Chelsea and Newcastle.
“Palace have been in great form over the last couple of months,” Guardiola noted. “They’ve always been tough opponents. I admire the manager, their style of play, the physicality, and the talent they have — but I remain optimistic that we can finish the season strongly.”
