PUZZLED Pep Guardiola still can’t understand the Engish obsession with alcohol at parties despite celebrating a third title success in four seasons with Manchester City.
The Etihad chief can expect more than a tipple of applause when fans return but in the mean time he was delighted to get a congratulatory message from one of his “inspirations” – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
2
2
Guardiola clinched his latest crowning glory when Manchester United lost 2-1 at home to Leicester on Tuesday.
City’s whole squad and backroom team were hastily invited down to the club’s academy complex for an impromptu celebration.
The Spaniard said: “It was so nice. The unexpected parties are the nicest ones. If you organise a big party they are normally more boring than last Tuesday.
“We came here in our bubble. We drank a bit, we danced, he hugged a lot, we remembered how good it was.
“Then at 11.30 15 pizzas arrived and that was the best moment of the night!
“But here in England parties are always just alcohol, and I don’t understand why.
“But the moment we got the pizzas was perfect. It was a nice moment, altogether here. We celebrated really good.”
Guardiola was also thrilled to receive midweek messages of acclaim from Klopp and Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti.
He said: “I appreciate it a lot. He and Carlo Ancelotti did it. I could not answer the messages yet but I will do. I admire both of them.
“Jurgen, of course, was an inspiration for me. He made me, through his teams at Dortmund and Liverpool, a better manager.
“He made me think a lot about games and opponents. So thank you so much.”
“I was not in perfect condition to decide which was the best. All of them were so good.”
The new champions must make sure they have clear heads as they return to action on Friday night with a trip to Newcastle.
Guardiola confirmed Kevin de Bruyne is unlikely to be ready for the game on Tyneside as he has a thigh problem.
City are being ultra-cautious with their Belgian superstar with the Champions League final just over two weeks away.
He said: “Kevin is still injured. He’s getting better and when he’s fit he will come to training.”
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
