Pep Guardiola left reporters perplexed with his bizarre response when asked about Rico Lewis’ red card as Manchester City drew 2-2 at Crystal Palace.
Twenty-year-old defender Lewis was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the 84th minute.
City came from behind twice to take a point away from Selhurst Park, but the champions have now won just once in nine games across all competitions.
Lewis saw a first yellow card for dissent in the 70th minute, moments after he’d netted City’s second equaliser.
He was then dismissed after a poor challenge on Trevor Chalobah earned him another yellow.
It was the first red card of the youngster’s professional career, but his manager’s response after the game has raised eyebrows.
Pep Guardiola’s Confusing Response To Rico Lewis Red Card
During a post-match interview with BBC Sport, Pep Guardiola was asked for his views on the Rico Lewis sending-off.
In an awkward exchange, the reporter was left dumbfounded by Pep’s strange explanation.
This was Pep Guardiola's reaction to Rico Lewis' red card.#CRYMCI #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/YTpZuTgk4j
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 7, 2024
Guardiola said: “It’s because it’s Rico.”
Unsurprisingly, the bewildered reporter asked Pep to clarify.
“It’s Rico. It’s Because it’s Rico,” re-affirmed Guardiola.
The reporter replied: “It’s because it’s Rico Lewis you think he got the yellow card?”
Guardiola: “It’s a yellow card?”
Reporter: “No, I’m asking you – did you think it was a yellow card?”
Guardiola: “It’s Rico Lewis.”
Manchester City’s Woeful Form Continues
City have now dropped 14 points in their last six Premier League games.
Their terrible run has left them fourth in the table heading into Sunday, eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand after their Merseyside Derby at Everton was postponed.
Next up, City face Juventus in Turin in the Champions League on Wednesday. After that, they host rivals Manchester United in the first derby for new United boss Ruben Amorim.
If Pep Guardiola’s men were to lose at home to a United side called ‘mediocre’ even by their owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it would be even more catastrophic than their other recent results.
Pressure continues to mount of Pep. This City side have often stood up to such challenges, but at present they don’t seem to have the answers.
