Pep Guardiola has accused Premier League referees of treating Manchester City unfairly when it comes to time-wasting.
Guardiola claimed referees are quick to book City's players for time-wasting but are reluctant to do so when it comes to their opponents. City host Newcastle on Saturday and the Magpies' time-wasting has been called out by Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta this season.
Guardiola remains furious City goalkeeper Ederson was booked for time-wasting in the first-half of his side's 3-1 win at title rivals Arsenal in February and claimed his team are being victimised. “If it’s a waste of time, we will have a yellow card for Ederson, don’t worry,” said Guardiola, his voice heavy with sarcasm.
“We are the team with the least waste of time in the career and the first time we go to Arsenal away, after 36 minutes we got a yellow card, so don't worry about wasting time. I'm not paying attention to that. I'm paying more attention to what we have to do to beat them (Newcastle), the way they press and the problems we suffered in some moments when we played them away at the beginning of the season.
“It depends on the referee, but I'm pretty sure the yellow will be for Ederson. How many thousand million games do teams come to the Etihad Stadium and waste time by the keepers?
“It's 20 seconds every time, the goal kick and long ball and long ball and long ball, but nothing happens. Absolutely nothing happens. And after, we want to be active to play, and we get a yellow card. That's is why I'm far away about comments about the referees, because I don't care one second. They can do whatever they want.”
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Asked if he had spoken with the relevant authorities about his grievances, Guardiola said: “What is authorities? I don't talk with the Premier League, because we are accused by them. No referees, no Premier League, no care.
“How many times, after in press conferences, do I complain about referees? The game is done when it’s done. I don't even know before the game who the referee is that’s going to whistle. I know when I see their face, I know who they are, but I don't talk with them before or after.
“Now, we can't talk about the Premier League or whatever. We're busy defending with our lawyers our defence [against alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play], so I don't have time to spend on that.”
Injured duo John Stones and Aymeric Laporte are back in training and in contention to return to the squad to face Newcastle, who are fifth and pushing for a top-four place.
