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Journalism of Courage
A livid Pep Guardiola lashed out at Manchester United fans for their targetted abuse aimed at Phil Foden’s mother during the Manchester Derby on Sunday. England footballer Foden struggled in the game against arch-rivals Manchester United.
“(It was) a lack of class, but it’s not Man United, it’s the people,” Manchester City manager Guardiola said after the game ended. “It’s a lack of integrity, class and they should be ashamed. But it is happening everywhere, I would say, not just the UK, everywhere.”
Guardiola added: “We are so exposed, the people in the screen in the world of football — managers, owners and football players especially. Honestly I don’t know, understand (what’s) in the mind of the people… involving the mum of Phil.”
While the game at Old Trafford ended 0-0, both teams are eight spots apart in the Premier League standings. City are fifth in the standings, 21 points away from league leaders Liverpool. Manchester United meanwhile have 38 points, almost half as many as Liverpool.
The game saw Foden continue a beleaguered run of form this season after becoming the player of the year last time around. The 24-year-old has not scored for 13 games. He has scored just 10 times in 40 appearances. Manchester City’s Premier League title defense has similarly gone off track over the past months.
Guardiola defended Foden vehemently.
“When the team is not playing at the level that we had, it looks like everyone is not what they were. I see the passion and smile on his face every day in training and that is what I want. His impact was incredible and he will be back,” Guardiola said.
