Guardiola expresses statement about refereeing compatriots following European stalemate
The Manchester City boss mentioned he has "nothing to say" to officials from his homeland after his team let slip a win against Monaco following a last-minute spot-kick taken by Eric Dier.
The match official was instructed to check the play by the video assistant referee before awarding the penalty when he determined that Nico González's high boot on the centre-back deserved a punishment.
Erling Haaland hits twice but the visitors pegged back by Monaco
City's star striker struck on two occasions for the visitors, but the advantage was canceled out first by the defender and then by Dier's late penalty.
Even with a commanding performance from City, they ultimately came up short in the closing stages of the game.
Pep sidesteps discuss penalty decision
Pep Guardiola refused to talk about the specific foul award after the fixture, instead mentioning officials from his homeland in vague terms.
Guardiola has before had a strained dynamic with his compatriot the official, who in the past pointed to three spot-kicks versus his side in consecutive European matches.
The manager reflects on City's display
The team performed a strong game,” he remarked. “On the pitch you have to secure the victory. Looking back at the game there were many things that were impressive. Bit by bit we will be better but we had many chances and Phil Foden in the opening period and many players excelled.”
Guardiola continued: “Monaco protected extremely deep and narrow, that is so different to the way they play in the French league, but we performed well. During close matches, you have to hold firm and we take the draw.”
Erling on team display and late foul
Erling Haaland scored a double, but it was just sufficient for a shared points, as he took his UCL record to a startling 52 strikes in 50 games.
“It's not sufficient,” Haaland stated of the overall display. “We must aim for victory the upcoming fixture. Our sole focus.”
He added: “We require greater intensity. It was crucial to attack them harder like in the initial 45 minutes, they scored in the second half and I don’t think it’s good enough.”
On the late decision, he noted: “I didn’t see it – but when you strike an opponent in the head, chances are a foul.”
