Pep Guardiola apologized to Steven Gerrard for “unnecessary statements” that left him “ashamed”.
Last Thursday, the Manchester City boss criticized Liverpool icon Gerrard’s blunder during a loss to Chelsea at Anfield that helped City win the Premier League in 2014.
Guardiola aggressively defended the team after an unusual amount of Premier League accusations for financial infractions. The 52-year-old began Tuesday’s press conference by apologizing to Gerrard for an offense.
“I don’t know if we’re responsible for Steven Gerrard sliding,” Guardiola said. That Anfield situation? It’s our fault? I didn’t want it out of respect for Steven Gerrard.
He apologized to Gerrard in his news conference before Manchester City’s Premier League match against Arsenal on Wednesday.
The City manager apologized to Steven Gerrard for his previous remarks. He doesn’t deserve it, so I’m ashamed.
Last Monday, City received Premier League legal papers stating charges for alleged financial rule violations that might result in a points deduction or expulsion from the top level.
The defending champions face charges for income, manager and player remuneration, UEFA regulations, profitability, sustainability, and Premier League investigations.
The league stated that an independent panel will investigate suspected infractions from September 2009 until the 2017-18 season.
The team allegedly violated league rules by failing to provide “correct financial information that conveys a genuine and fair perspective of the club’s financial status” in good faith.
After the deal was announced, fans called for Manchester City to lose their titles on social media. Guardiola disagreed and defended his team using Gerrard’s slip.
In late April 2014, Gerrard’s error allowed Chelsea’s Demba Ba to score at Anfield, with Liverpool a few games from winning the Premier League.
