Pep Guardiola has apologised both publicly and privately to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard for bringing up his infamous slip last week.
Guardiola referenced the moment during the 2013/14 title run-in as he attempted to defend the recent Premier League allegations against Manchester City.
But now, as per journalist Sam Lee on Twitter, the City boss has walked back his âstupidâ comments about Gerrard.
âI apologise to Steven Gerrard for my unnecessary stupid comments about him. He knows how I admire him and his career, what he has done for this country. I am ashamed of myself, he doesnât deserve it,â said Guardiola.
âI truly believe my comments about defending my club but I didnât represent my club well putting his name in these stupid comments. I am so sorry to him, his kids, wife, family. It was stupid.â
Unfortunately, the damage has likely been done already here. Any Liverpool is aware of the deep mental scars Gerrard still holds over the incident nearly nine years ago. It was completely unnecessary from a man of Guardiolasâs position. Kudos to the City boss for apologising, but it need never have been said in the first place.
What did Guardiola say
Guardiola has been raging against the machine ever since results of the Premier Leagueâs investigation into his club came out last Monday.
Plenty of clubs and some individuals have borne the brunt of his anger in the days since then. Some of these are perhaps more understandable than others, but to bring up Gerrardâs slip was really below the belt.
âI donât know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping at Anfield. Was that our fault? I have respect for Steven Gerrard â but that moment belongs to us,â Pep said via The Guardian.
Queue the internet trolls having what can only be described as a field day. As if Stevie hasnât suffered at their hands enough already. It isnât enough that the 42-year-old has to hear his name being sung by gleeful opposition fans every time he watches his old club play.
Now he has to deal with perhaps the highest profile coach in the sport dragging it all up again.
Shameless from Guardiola, but at least he apologised. Thatâs likely more than the Premier Leagueâs 19 other clubs will ever get from City if their alleged rule breaks are proven to have taken place.