Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has provided clarity on the six-finger gesture he made towards Liverpool fans during their recent 2-0 defeat at Anfield. The match marked another difficult moment for City, extending their winless run to seven matches in all competitions.
The gesture, which caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, came in response to chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” from the home supporters. The taunts reflected the frustration of Liverpool fans reveling in City’s current struggles. However, Guardiola explained that the six fingers symbolized his six Premier League titles won during his tenure with Manchester City.
In his post-match press conference, Guardiola expressed pride in his achievements, stating, “I’m so proud of my six Premier Leagues against that team and others. It’s a reminder of what we’ve accomplished. I didn’t expect Anfield to start chanting about me being sacked at 0-2. Maybe I deserve it with our recent results, but I’m still here because of those titles.”
Despite the hostile atmosphere, Guardiola maintained a composed demeanor. He added, “When you win, you laugh. When you lose, you laugh. It’s part of the game. Football is about moments, and this is just one of them. I have no hard feelings towards their fans; it’s all part of the competition.”
Manchester City’s current struggles have placed them fifth in the Premier League standings, a stark contrast to their usual dominance in recent seasons. This has raised questions about the team’s form and Guardiola’s approach during this challenging period.
Looking ahead, Guardiola remains optimistic, with his sights set on turning the tide in their next match. City will face Nottingham Forest at home on Wednesday, a game that is seen as a crucial opportunity to bounce back and regain momentum.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continues to thrive under their new manager, Arne Slot, and currently sits nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table. They are scheduled to play Newcastle on the same night, keeping the title race alive and exciting.
As the season unfolds, Guardiola and his team will need to dig deep to reclaim their standing among England’s top clubs, while Liverpool aims to maintain their stronghold at the summit.
