Pep Guardiola has addressed Roy Keane’s criticism of the lively on-field conversation he had with Erling Haaland following the Manchester derby.
After Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over United on Sunday, a camera captured Guardiola discussing Haaland’s heading technique as they exited the Old Trafford pitch.
Roy Keane, a Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United midfielder, accused Pep of “putting on a show” and suggested that the City manager should reserve tactical discussions for the dressing room.
“I respect Roy Keane a lot,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday. “Sometimes I finish the game and go inside; sometimes I stay there. When I find a player, we chat about the game.
“I know the camera is there; it is everywhere. I could tell him [Haaland] when we were inside but at that moment I was outside because I wanted to be with the fans, especially away. For the fans, United is an important game.
“We chatted about the second goal, the miss for the last minute with the [Andre] Onana action [save]. He [Haaland] could be better and stronger. The header [could be] stronger to put the ball in the back of the net with more power.”
Guardiola emphasised that publicly discussing issues with players is nothing new for him. He added, “It happened with Erling [Haaland] in Burnley. I can avoid it. Maybe Roy is right but it happens. I don’t need to do something for people my age.
“Sometimes I go inside; sometimes I say ‘hi’ to the referees. It’s what I feel in the moment. I don’t think after the game to go to the players to do some spectacle for the people. I’m old enough already.
“I’ve done it all my career. I did it at Bayern [Munich] sometimes with Joshua Kimmich. It depends on the moment but it is not to make us feel how special we are.”
After enjoying a rare midweek without a match, City will look to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Tottenham when they welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.