Despite facing a chorus of boos and chants, pep guardiola calmly reminds Liverpool fans of his success at Manchester City with a simple gesture.
Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City’s dominant Premier League success, faced a wave of mocking chants from Liverpool fans during his side’s 1-0 defeat at Anfield. As Liverpool closed in on a crucial win that would extend their lead over City to 11 points, the infamous “sacked in the morning” chant rang out across the stadium, aimed squarely at Guardiola.
The chant came in the 89th minute, with City trailing in a match that would see them drop to fifth in the Premier League table. Guardiola, usually calm in the face of adversity, responded to the taunt with a serene smile. He then raised his hand, holding up a single finger to indicate the six Premier League titles City have won under his leadership, a quiet yet defiant reminder of his achievements.
“I didn’t expect that at Anfield,” Guardiola told Sky Sports post-match. “I didn’t expect it from the people of Liverpool, but it’s fine, it’s part of the game, and I understand completely. We’ve had incredible battles together. I have a respect for them.”
The defeat, which left City languishing in fifth place, continues a troubling run for Guardiola’s team, who have now lost their last four league matches, the first such stretch since 2008. The result also marked seven winless games across all competitions, a stark contrast to the triumphs Guardiola has overseen since joining the club in 2016.
For a manager who has delivered six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and other major honours to City, the current form represents an unusual and challenging chapter. Guardiola, however, remains composed. He acknowledged the recent criticism with characteristic humility: “All the stadiums want to sack me; it started at Brighton [on November 9],” he said. “Maybe they are right with the results we’ve been having.”
Despite the negative results, Guardiola’s legacy at City is firmly secured. Under his leadership, City has not only dominated domestically but also reached new heights in European football, securing the Champions League and various other prestigious titles. His smile and gesture after the match, raising one hand with six fingers, was both a response to the chants and a subtle reminder of the glory he has brought to Manchester City.
At the final whistle, Guardiola again raised his hand to City’s travelling supporters, this time acknowledging the six Premier League titles he has led the club to since his arrival. It was a message of resilience — a reminder of the enduring success he has achieved, even in the face of recent struggles.
Guardiola’s calm response to the taunting at Anfield shows his commitment to maintaining perspective during difficult times, with his focus firmly on the bigger picture — one where his achievements will ultimately speak louder than any chants from opposition fans.
