‘It’s not a bad thing’ – Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback
PEP GUARDIOLA couldn’t resist a subtle dig at Manchester United following their Europa League heroics.
The Red Devils somehow fought back to beat Lyon 7-6 in a chaotic EL quarter-final on Thursday.
Guardiola‘s City have endured a tough season and could finish without a trophy for the first time since 2017.
The defending Prem champions currently sit fifth in the table as they battle for a Champions League place.
And the Spaniard appeared to make a subtle dig at City’s crosstown rivals as he looked forward to tomorrow’s game with Everton.
Guardiola said: “It’s not a bad thing to be fighting for a Champions League spot.
“You could be in a very, very lower position in the Premier League if you have done few good things than we have done in these four, five months.
“We could be 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th.”
United currently occupy 14th place in the table and are on course for their lowest finish since 1990.
Amorim has failed to get his side firing domestically, with United winning just 10 of their 32 league games this term.
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The Portuguese boss hopes Thursday’s remarkable comeback can herald a change of mentality from his squad.
And he revealed he’d been watching United’s 1999 Champions League final turnaround ahead of Lyon’s visit.
Amorim told TNT: “I was watching the 99 documentary for inspiration.
“The team were tired. At 4-2, you think it is over, but here it is never over. Here everything is possible.
“This is one type of moment that can change a lot of things.
Man Utd ratings vs Lyon
MANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.
But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.
Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.
Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.
Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.
“Sometimes we just look at the tactical and physical aspect.
“But these moments can change a lot in the players’ minds.”