PEP GUARDIOLA SYMPATHISED with Maurizio Sarri and urged Chelsea to give the Italian more time after Manchester City thrashed the Blues 6-0 in their record Premier League defeat.
Sarri’s side have lost their past three away Premier League games by an aggregate 12-0 scoreline after they were demolished at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Sergio Aguero’s treble saw the City striker draw level with Alan Shearer’s record of 11 Premier League hat-tricks, with Raheem Sterling contributing a brace and Ilkay Gundogan also on target.
Chelsea trailed 4-0 after 25 minutes and Sarri told Sky Sports following the match that he expects to hold talks with the club’s board over his future.
Guardiola, though, feels Sarri should be shown patience and drew parallels with his first season in charge of City, which saw the club fail to win a trophy.
“I know what he wants to do,” Guardiola told a news conference after City leapfrogged Liverpool to reclaim top spot in the Premier League table.
“This kind of person, these type of games, the football helps to make it better. They beat us at Stamford Bridge [in December] and against Napoli last season [in the Champions League] it was tight, they were better in moments.
“But people don’t understand how difficult the first year can be. People need time, [it] only depends on the owners, the people in charge need to believe.
“I came to Manchester City – the bosses, chairman, [director of football] Txiki [Begiristain], he knows me. He doesn’t believe I’m bad when we lose and good when we win. That’s why I’m enjoying it in Manchester. We were good in all aspects and that’s why we won.”
Sarri stormed down the tunnel without shaking Guardiola’s hand at the full-time whistle, but the City boss said it was not an issue.
“I spoke with [Sarri's assistant] Gianfranco [Zola] and it’s no problem,” Guardiola said. “I have a good relationship with him.”
David Silva was a surprise substitute for City with Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Fernandinho and the fit-again Kevin De Bruyne preferred in midfield.
“I need him, I miss him when he’s not playing but I took the decision and try to be honest,” Guardiola said of omitting David Silva, who came off the bench.
“Sometimes lately I don’t play Kevin, Sergio, it’s what I believe, I see the opponents, it’s difficult. Dropping Gundogan is difficult, for the rhythm they have, Gundo and Kevin in that situation [were more suitable selections].
“But I need Silva as he’s the best in the world in those small spaces, it’s impossible to find it. But today I thought it was demanding, physically. It was a good decision.
“He played the last two games and was key. Especially in the second half at Goodison [Park, against Everton], we have a lot of games and we’ll try to have everyone involved.”
Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:
Love to see England crash out and even better to see Jones face after it
@Mark walsh: despite EJ being annoying I would like to see England win this one.
@Trev: In line with Jones being annoying, I would love to see England lose this one.
This will be a cracker. Great day of sport. Merry Christmas to all!
Our dog is growling at the TV when an England jersey is in shot.
@Dec Quinlan: well trained dog
@Dec Quinlan: He’s a sad dog just like his owner.
@Aging Lothario: says the guy that has to thumb up his own comment..
@Seamus O’Caolaidhé: Rescue dog so can’t take credit.Like this when we got her.
@Aging Lothario: She’s very happy here.
Nobody does Rugby World Cups quite like the southern hemisphere. I expect nothing different this year. Aus, NZ and SA in the semis with a token Welsh team.
@Peter Cavey: what was that? Jesus you do talk some shite
@Peter Cavey: what was that?
Its a stroll for England.Very impressive team
That penalty against lealifano was crazy he had barely completed the tackle
England / South Africa Final
Can’t wait to see the Aussies smash into the POMS
@Tom Fahey: Poms? Where in Australia are you from pal?
Ireland play the winner of this in the semis, so come of Australia!!
Yeah couldn’t give three easier tries away in the world cup.so frustrating to see Australia give in at crucial points
England are very good but Australia are literally throwing this match away
You can tell Sinclair enjoyed that try in front of the aussies
Cmon Australia
Is there a rule in rugby about how long a kicker has to kick a penalty off the tee?
@Eoghan O’Leary: yes
@Kieran Doherty: how long?
@Eoghan O’Leary: 1 minute
Good win by England, Australia needs to rebuild after this. Excellent work by England, they will be hard to beat by ourselves or NZ.
England are really good, but Aussies are really poor.
Hon the aussies
@Hon Tipp: ahhhhh. Shame. Keep polishing that chip.
Tmo a disaster clear forward pass, joke.