Pep Takes Shot at Man Utd's Champions League Draw: "They Got Lucky"
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took a playful jab at Manchester United's Champions League draw, suggesting their opponents in the group stage were less formidable than their own.
Speaking to the press following City's draw, Guardiola said, "I think United were lucky with their draw, they have a good chance to advance. I'm not sure if we were as fortunate."
City was drawn in Group G alongside RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and Young Boys. This group, while not without its challenges, is generally considered more manageable than United's Group E, which features Real Sociedad, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Bayern Leverkusen.
Guardiola's comments, while seemingly lighthearted, may be a subtle reminder of the perceived gap between the two Manchester clubs. City has consistently been a dominant force in the Premier League and Champions League, while United are still searching for that elusive consistency.
However, this is not the first time Guardiola has hinted at United's relative weakness. In the past, he has been critical of their playing style and their lack of success in Europe.
United fans, naturally, have taken to social media to defend their team. Many argue that Guardiola is simply underestimating their rivals and that their group, while less glamorous on paper, could prove to be a tougher challenge than City's.
Whether Guardiola's words were intended as a genuine criticism or simply a playful comment, one thing is certain: the rivalry between City and United is alive and well, even in the Champions League draw.
This playful banter, however, could have implications beyond the realm of banter. It could fuel a deeper rivalry and motivate both teams to outperform their opponents, making the Champions League group stage even more exciting for fans worldwide.
The upcoming season promises to be a thrilling one, and with the potential for a clash between these two Manchester giants, the stakes are undoubtedly high.