Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has launched a blistering counter-attack against Wayne Rooney, following the Derby County manager's pointed comments about City's ongoing Premier League financial charges.
The fiery exchange began when Rooney, speaking ahead of Derby's FA Cup clash, suggested that City's achievements would be 'tainted' if they were found guilty of the 115 alleged financial breaches. Guardiola, never one to shy away from a defence of his club, responded with trademark passion in his pre-match press conference.
'Not Appropriate': Guardiola's Blunt Dismissal
'He's a legend, of course, but his words were not appropriate,' Guardiola stated emphatically. The Catalan coach made a clear distinction between the ongoing legal process and what his team has unequivocally achieved on the pitch. 'What we have won, we won fairly on the grass. Nobody can take that away from us.'
Guardiola's defence was not just about sentiment; it was rooted in a firm belief in the club's innocence. He expressed unwavering confidence that when the independent commission concludes its lengthy investigation, Manchester City will be exonerated.
A Legacy Forged on the Pitch, Not in the Boardroom
The core of Guardiola's argument rests on the undeniable quality of his team's performances. He pointed to the relentless consistency, the breathtaking football, and the multitude of trophies won in direct competition with their rivals.
'The goals we score, the titles we win… this is real,' he asserted, drawing a firm line between the sporting and legal spheres. His message was clear: the legacy of his players is built on tangible, visible success that fans across the world have witnessed firsthand.
The Waiting Game and the Weight of Speculation
The ongoing case, which has hung over the Etihad for years, remains a source of immense frustration for the club. Guardiola's outburst highlights the tension between waiting for a legal resolution and constantly battling public opinion in the media.
With no definitive timeline for the commission's verdict, Guardiola and everyone associated with Manchester City are left in a state of limbo, forced to defend their era of dominance against what they see as premature and unfair judgement.
For now, the Spanish manager's focus remains where it always has been: on football. But as Rooney's comments proved, the spectre of those 115 charges is never far away, ensuring this debate will rage on until a final judgement is delivered.
