Pep Guardiola was left stunned after a fan accused him of making football "boring" by robbing players of their "flair".
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- Man City boss questioned by fan
- Left bemused by accusation of "boring" football
- Man City in the USA
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WHAT HAPPENED?
During their pre-season tour of the United States, a fan questioned Guardiola on his view of whether he has made football "boring". The City boss was accused of telling his players to constantly pass, instead of using "flair".
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- Getty Images
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Guardiola, of course, has overseen multiple dynasties throughout his career, first at Barcelona and now at City. He is perhaps famed for perfecting the tiki-taka style that relies heavily on extreme possession, sometimes at the cost of the excitement and flow of a game. Nevertheless, he has consistently lifted the biggest trophies and has won 12 league titles, as well as three Champions League titles.
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WHAT PEP SAID
In the clip, which appears to start after the question is asked, Guardiola begins: "Football is not just pass, pass, pass."
The fan replies: "What happened to flair, right?"
Pep says: "No, of course."
The fan continues: "People tell me, you have to pass, pass, pass." Guardiola attempts to interject but the supporter maintains: "Like, they blame you!"
The City boss responds: "They blame me? That's good, yeah, blame me, no problem."
The fan concludes that "I need the flair" and Guardiola says: "Yeah, do whatever you want."
- Getty
WHAT NEXT?
City continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against AC Milan on Saturday. It remains to be seen how many passes they will complete.