Guardiola hits back at those telling him to ‘focus on football’ after Palestine support

WorldFootball
6 Feb 2026 • 11:17 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, has stated he will not remain silent on humanitarian issues despite being told to 'focus on football'.
  • Guardiola had previously expressed anger over killings in Minneapolis, deaths of Palestinian children in Gaza, and loss of life in the civil war in Sudan.
  • His comments drew criticism from the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, who called his remarks 'controversial'.
  • Guardiola defended his right to express his feelings, stating he condemns the killing of innocent people in all conflicts without selection.
  • He argued that being a football manager should not prevent him from speaking out on other issues, likening it to a journalist being restricted from discussing economics.

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