Chelsea coach Pochettino apologizes to Guardiola for what he did in Man City game, says he ‘deserved the yellow card’
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has apologized to Pep Guardiola and match officials for his turbulent finale in Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with Manchester City.
Poch said he “deserved to be warned” for launching an adult-oriented tirade at the final whistle of the game when his Blues team were on the verge of a winning goal, and for failing to tell City boss Guardiola to shake hand.
2
2
The Chelsea manager admitted his behavior “did not reflect well” both for himself and for football as a whole.
Guardiola claimed he had faced similar reactions in Pochettino’s dugout in the past but was “totally fine” with it.
Poch was in turmoil at the end and was desperate to see Chelsea claim victory, although Cole Palmer saved them a point with an injury penalty.
Marc Cucurella charged forward – Raheem Sterling was well placed in attack – but referee Anthony Taylor signaled full time.
Pochettino responded by charging at the fourth official but was held back by his bench as he tried to get into the middle.
He appeared to be screaming, “What the fuck?” as he waved his arms.
Questioned afterwards, the Argentine said: “I have to apologize to Anthony.” [Taylor] and the officials.
“At this moment I feel Raheem [Sterling] can score the fifth goal. In that moment, as we finished the game, I turn to Anthony and say, ‘What the hell is going on here?’ Why stop the action at that moment?’
“Then I turned around and said: ‘I deserve a yellow card’ because yes, I went over the limit. I would like to apologize because this type of behavior does not reflect well on me and football.”
As for ignoring Guardiola, he added: “I would also like to apologize to him. At that moment I didn’t see him. I was just focused on what was happening. That’s why I would also like to apologize to Pep.”
But the Spaniard said: “It’s not a problem. I don’t want to talk about it, it’s okay. Anyone with the emotions, it happened to me sometimes.”
“It’s fine, honestly. I don’t want you to misunderstand me. This has happened in the past with Pochettino, but it’s okay. Totally, totally fine.”