Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola issues apology to Steven Gerrard for ‘unnecessary and stupid’ comments

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola apologised to Steven Gerrard for his comments on the former Liverpool captain’s famous slip in 2014 against Chelsea in a press conference last week.

City can go top of the Premier League with three points against leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening following their 3-1 victory against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Guardiola addressed the 115 financial sanctions imposed on Manchester City by the Premier League prior to City’s recent triumph at the Etihad Stadium.

In a passionate defence of his club, the Catalan went on to make a seemingly sarcastic dig at Manchester City being held responsible for Steven Gerrard’s famous slip in Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Anfield in their 2013/14 title run-in.

Prior to City’s win over Villa, Guardiola said in a press conference: “I don’t know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping at Anfield. Was that our fault? I have respect for Steven Gerrard – but that moment belongs to us.”

Goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez secured a crucial victory for the Blues on Sunday – a week on from their disappointing defeat away at Tottenham.

At the beginning of his press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Guardiola delivered an apology for his comments on Steven Gerrard last week ahead of the upcoming top-of-the-table clash in north London.

“I apologise to Steven Gerrard for my unnecessary and stupid comments I said the last time about him,” the 52-year-old said.

“He (Gerrard) knows how I admire him and his career, what he has done for this country that I am living and training in.

“I am ashamed of myself, what I said – because he (Gerrard) doesn’t deserve it. I truly believe my comments in my previous press conference to defend my club but I didn’t represent my club well putting his name in these stupid comments.

“I apologise and I said to him (Gerrard) personally but I have to do it here as well. I’m so sorry for him, for Alex (his wife), kids and family, because it was stupid.”

Manchester City have a golden opportunity to go top of the league with a win against Arsenal, who will be looking to bounce back from their recent underwhelming showings against Everton and Brentford.