Pep Guardiola says he understands Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka’s angry reaction to abuse from his own supporters, but hopes the player can put the controversy behind him.
Xhaka has revealed the extent of the vile comments made about his wife and children that led to him snapping when he was booed after being substituted against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has refused to say if Xhaka will keep the captain’s armband but has dropped the player against Wolves this weekend, while Guardiola sympathised with the Switzerland international over his outburst.
‘We have to respect our supporters, it’s not easy for the players sometimes,’ said the Manchester City manager. ‘I can understand Xhaka – the emotion of that moment even if I don’t know exactly what’s going on inside.
‘Maybe I’m not the best guy to say that because sometimes I lose my emotions and cannot control myself, but you have to try because at the end of the day it’s just a game so have fun and try to do your best.
‘I’m pretty sure Xhaka gives absolutely everything to do his best for Arsenal and his teammates to get them winning games. He’s the captain because he has something special in the locker room.
‘It has happened, sometimes you lose control. It will be forgotten and move forward. Hopefully in the future the fans can forgive him and Xhaka can come back and show what an incredible player he is.’
Klopp has labelled it ‘nonsense’ and Guardiola, who must play twice in less than two days against Wolves and Sheffield United this Christmas, backed the German.
‘I completely agree,’ he said. ‘Less games, less fixtures, less competitions, more recovery. We play 27th or 29th (of December) in winter time. It is always the debate, in UEFA meetings always they talk about it. I’m with Jurgen when he makes these kind of statements about too much.
‘I prioritised by not playing (Ilkay) Gundogan and Kevin (De Bruyne) and (David) Silva in this competition (Carabao Cup against Southampton on Tuesday). I think that Jurgen and Arsenal have done the same. Except Manchester United for the situation they have.
‘For the others the competition is good to rotate the team and for those other players who don’t play too often. But yes it is too much.’
The City boss also sent his best wishes to England coach Eddie Jones ahead of the World Cup final against South Africa.
Jones once visited Guardiola to observe his coaching sessions when he was in charge at Bayern Munich, and the Spaniard said: ‘All the best, good luck. It’s an honour for England, for him and his staff the players. It’s an incredible event for England and all the best.’
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