Pep Guardiola’s footballing brain is one of the finest and seems like it would be perfect for a role in punditry, not that the Man City boss wants to step in front of the cameras
Pep Guardiola insists he could never be critical pundit like FA Cup rival Gary Neville.
Guardiola and Neville will go head to head on Saturday when Manchester City host Salford in the third round. Neville is one of Manchester United’s Class of 92 who co-own the League Two minnows.
But the former England and United defender is better known as one of the most high-profile TV critics in English football.
Guardiola has clashed with Neville numerous times since taking charge of City in 2016. The Spaniard hit back at him following criticism his English champions were boring.
He also took exception to comments Neville made recently about his treatment of Belgian Kevin De Bruyne. Guardiola couldn’t imagine himself ever being a pundit, because he wouldn’t want to criticise managers or players.
Guardiola said: “I don’t think I’m going to do that. I am cautious. I couldn’t make a comment that could hurt my colleagues. I know how difficult this job is, how difficult it is, and I don’t want to pretend sitting there.
“It’s so unpredictable and many things happen. I (could) hurt someone sometimes with the delivery.
“We can agree and disagree. My job is here, their job is there.
“I wanted to defend my club, it’s not personal. I know how difficult it is. I was a football player before, now a manager and our business is so complicated and so unpredictable, I don’t want to hurt my colleagues in a position to do it.
“Maybe it will happen in the future – but honestly I don’t think so.”