Guardiola: People want to see Man City ‘disappear off the face of the earth’

Pep Guardiola has launched an astonishing defence of his Manchester City side, with the Spaniard believing there are a section of people who want the club to ‘disappear off the face of the earth’.

City are in the midst of a legal battle against the Premier League after being hit with 115 charges of violating financial rulings, with potential punishments including expulsion from the competition.

Guardiola’s side are set to face off against Arsenal on Sunday in a game that could have significant implications on this season’s title race and the City boss insisted that his side were ‘pragmatic’ and are ‘better’ than their opponents on most days.

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Guardiola said: “During a season, you can say, ‘Oh, it was a bad season’. But for performances some people say, ‘Oh, it’s a disgrace, it is a disaster, it’s unacceptable’. No, during 90 minutes it’s one bad afternoon when they were better.

“But I would say – I’m sorry, I want to defend my club, especially in these modern days when everyone is expecting us not to be relegated, to be disappeared off the face of the Earth, the world – that we have better afternoons than the opponents. That’s why we win a lot.”

He added: “Pragmatic? We are the best team in the world at being pragmatic. Look the numbers. We won a lot. I believe in being pragmatic and we believe in the way we play. We are unbelievably pragmatic, the best I would say. I’m sorry, that is the truth.”

City and Arsenal set for another close encounter

City are looking to keep up their 100% start to the new Premier League campaign, knowing that Arsenal are likely to be one of their biggest threats to winning a fifth successive title.

Recent affairs between both sides have often been tight, with the last three fixtures between the sides culminating in just three goals.

Arsenal had been accused by City star Rodri of ‘not trying to win’ after the goalless draw between the sides last season.

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City will also have one eye on their ongoing court case knowing that a negative outcome could see the club face a huge transitionary period that could see Guardiola, among many players, leave the Etihad.