Pep Guardiola showed his true colors with a surprising gesture aimed at West Ham.
/ @BeanymanSports
Pep Guardiola is known for his high standards. The Santpedor native is never satisfied with just winning—he wants to do it right. The Manchester City manager obsesses over every detail, especially when chasing titles.
His preferred scenario is the one he faces in the FA Cup. A win over Chelsea would give him the trophy at Wembley. That same sense of control was his in the Premier League after matching Arsenal during a strong April, but he let it slip with a 3-3 draw against Everton.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, and Nico O’Reilly applaud after the match against Everton.
/ ADAM VAUGHAN / EFE
To stay in the title race, City must win every remaining game—just as they did on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over Brentford—and hope Arsenal drop points. The Gunners face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday at 5:30 PM.
Guardiola discussed all this in his post-match press conference after beating the Bees, and he ended the appearance with a witty gesture that has since gone viral on social media.
**Important Win Over Brentford**
“It was a very tough opponent. They’ve proved that in every game they’ve played this season,” Guardiola said after the match, referring to Brentford. The Santpedor native was pleased with the work of his wingers, Doku and Semenyo, and praised their efforts: “On the left in the first half, and on both flanks in the second. We did a good job.”
The standout player was Belgian winger Doku, and Guardiola lauded his performance: “He’s fantastic; of course he can improve, but his dribbling is incredible. His connection with Nico O’Reilly is extraordinary. Now Doku decides matches. I felt not only Haaland but also the wingers needed to score, and Jérémy has taken that step.”
Doku, a constant headache for the Brentford defense.
/ EUP
Despite the win, City still trail leaders Arsenal by two points. Still, Guardiola is confident in doing his job and putting pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side. “We’ll see. It’s not in our hands. Before the Everton match, it was still in our hands—now, no. We just have to do our job,” said the 55-year-old coach, before delivering a memorable moment for those present.
When asked if he would watch the West Ham-Arsenal game, Guardiola admitted, “Yes.” Then he stood up and shouted, “Come on, Irons!” forming an ‘X’ with his hands to mimic the crossed hammers on West Ham’s badge. The room filled with laughter as he walked out of the press conference.
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A clear message of support to the Hammers—and a glimpse of the friendly rivalry Guardiola shares with Mikel Arteta, his former coaching colleague. Will Pep’s wish come true and West Ham snatch points from Arsenal?
