After overseeing Manchester City’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, Pep Guardiola faced an awkward question from TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods
Pep Guardiola refused to answer when questioned by TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods about his Manchester City future – a moment pundit Steven Gerrard described as “brave.”
Guardiola secured his 20th piece of silverware as City boss after Antoine Semenyo’s clever second-half strike earned a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The cup may prove to be the final honour for long-serving stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who are both expected to leave this summer.
It could also mark the last trophy Guardiola claims with City. The 55-year-old manager has been heavily linked with an exit from the Premier League after a decade in Manchester.
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Following City’s triumph, Woods attempted to question Guardiola about his plans as she asked: “Pep, there are so many rumours aren’t there, about you leaving. You’re not are you?”
Guardiola acted puzzled and responded: “What rumours?” Woods then repeated: “Rumours!” But Guardiola cut the conversation short by saying: “Have a lovely evening!” The exchange sparked laughter among the panel, where Woods was joined by Gerrard, Joe Cole and former City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
While the group laughed, Guardiola set his microphone on the desk before shaking hands with all four pundits as Woods remarked: “You’re certainly leaving the interview. Congratulations Pep, what an incredible season they’ve had.”
Once Guardiola had left, Gerrard grinned and told his colleague: “Fair play Laura, that was brave. That was brave.” Hart added: “Laura you nailed him!” Woods then replied: “I have to ask! I think I’d get fired if I didn’t ask the question.”
Speaking about City’s success earlier in the interview, Guardiola reflected after collecting his third FA Cup triumph: “Five finals in the last 10 years, we won three, lost two, that’s quite decent I would say. I think we had chances [to score more] but against Colwill, James and Caicedo… they are so, so good.
“Fernandez and Cole were dangerous. Second half we were better. First half we had the chance with Antoine but they were better. We found the goal. I had the feeling that last season, against Crystal Palace and the previous season against Manchester United, we were better than today but in football, sometimes this happens. I’m really pleased for the guys.”
He also joked with Arsenal supporter Woods by saying: “We’re still alive in the Premier League, I’m sorry Laura! But with two titles, it’s nice.”
Discussing Semenyo’s goal, Guardiola said: “Normally Antoine has to cross and Erling makes the finish. The impact Marc and Antoine have had since the winter transfers has been incredible. The only regret is that the amount of players who deserve to play but didn’t play.
“I left six players out in the stands and don’t let them play. Even now after many, many years it’s difficult to swallow. Not just John [Stones], all of them. But at the end it’s a business and you have to do what you believe.”
Guardiola went on: “Listen, Chelsea, I knew it, we talked these two days. We came [played] three days ago. They had seven days. The trip yesterday was a mess to come here, it took six hours because of a delay to the trains. They are so good, the quality they have is there. They were not consistent there but one game, finals, anything can happen.”
City will now resume Premier League duties on Tuesday evening against Bournemouth, while Arsenal face Burnley 24 hours earlier. Should the Gunners secure victory, City will know that nothing less than three points will keep the title race alive heading into the final day.
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