Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City’s rivalry with Liverpool has not reached a toxic level despite apologising for away fan chants during their latest high-tempered clash.
Following the Reds’ 1-0 victory against City last weekend in the Premier League, there were several confrontations between the teams, many of which were not new.
These included chants and claims that Guardiola, the manager of City, had coins thrown at him from the home end.
What Did Guardiola Say?
On Friday, the Spaniard responded to his supporters referencing the Heysel and Hillsborough tragedies in chants and graffiti at Anfield.
“I didn’t hear the chant,” Guardiola said. “If it’s happened I’m so sorry.”
“It doesn’t represent what we are as a team and a club. But don’t worry, we can behave perfectly [from] our mistakes. Not a problem.”
City face Brighton on Saturday sat seven points clear of Liverpool as both look to chase down leaders Arsenal.
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The north-west pair will meet again in April and Guardiola responded to a question over whether the two sets of supporters now hold a “toxic” level of rivalry.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “From our side, I’m pretty sure it hasn’t.”
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