has hit back at suggestions that he was disrespectful with his celebrations during ’s 4-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday.
The Premier League champions went behind at the Etihad Stadium as opened the scoring for ’s side but Julian Alvarez rounded off an excellent team move to equalise in the 27th minute.
Guardiola couldn’t hide his delight at City’s leveller but some felt he overstepped the mark as he substituted in the face of Liverpool substitute Kostas Tsimikas.
However, the City manager was unhappy with those accusing him of being disrespectful after his side’s win.
‘I was happy and I said, ‘how nice was our goal?’, that’s all,’ Guardiola explained after the game.
Asked if it was an attempt at humour, Guardiola replied: ‘Of course, come on.’
When asked if there was an argument with Tsimikas, a visibly annoyed Guardiola then said: ‘Ah, come on.
‘I’m so sorry. Speak with Tsimikas, asked him if it was a lack of respect.
‘I celebrated the goal, celebrate with my son [in the stands], and I said, ‘oh, the goal was nice, isn’t it?’, that’s all. I’m so sorry if the TV…’
Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he was surprised by Tsimikas’ lack of reaction to Guardiola.
‘That celebration there, I don’t know how Tsimikas hasn’t pushed the opposing manager Pep Guardiola out of the way,’ Ferdinand told BT Sport.
‘He seems happy. He can see it’s a fantastic team goal, really well worked from Man City and he couldn’t contain himself.’
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