New Update
/sportsinfo/media/media_files/2025/01/15/pdT12emJW4t9SSGaLAbP.jpg)
Photograph: (X)
0
By clicking the button, I accept the Terms of Use of the service and its Privacy Policy, as well as consent to the processing of personal data.
Don’t have an account? Signup
Photograph: (X)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly given a strict message to his goalkeeper Stefan Ortega following the club's 2-2 draw at Brentford.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Manchester City showed moments of strong performance but ultimately let slip a two-goal lead. At the final whistle, Guardiola was seen getting involved with goalkeeper Ortega.
The Spaniard was seen expressing his frustrations regarding Manchester City's performance. Guardiola was seen engaging with the 32-year-old, even when Ortega seemed little bothered and turned his head away. He then held Ortega's head, emphasizing his message, before stepping back to allow for a moment of reflection. Despite his initial intensity, Guardiola finished the exchange by lightly tapping his player's chest, embracing him warmly.
Lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman shared with the Daily Mail that Guardiola directed Ortega to 'take that yellow' card, suggesting the goalkeeper should have accepted a booking for time-wasting.
After the fixture, Pep asserted that the team failed to make the right decisions in the final third, believing they lacked the judgment needed to secure the win. With the absence of the central defenders and Rodri, the team was not performing at their peak.
"Today we didn't make the right decisions in the final third. I had the feeling that we didn't take the right decisions in the final third to close the game. With the absence of the central defenders, Rodri, with many things, we are not and we didn't make the right decisions. It's fine, it's not a good place to come. Unfortunately, we couldn't win. I don't know, it can happen. Sometimes it happens. We have to manage a little bit better but today was not bad." Guardiola said.
Meanwhile, City star Phil Foden, who netted both goals, made it clear that fatigue played a major role in their slip-up against Brentford.
Manchester City will hit the road once again for their next two matches. Guardiola's squad will face Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday, followed by a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.