Pep Guardiola couldn't resist a cheeky comment in the direction of Manchester City's Premier League rivals, joking that they want the Blues not just to be relegated from the top flight, but 'disappear off the face of the earth'. Guardiola has been City's spokesperson on their 115 charges by nature of his position as manager, where he faces the media up to six times a week. On the eve of the club's trial, which started on Monday, he sent a pointed remark to City's rivals that most are keen to see them sanctioned before they have been given the chance to prove their innocence.
And while the club have simply got on with their daily business this week, Guardiola brought up the charges when defending his team, who have been made to work hard for their win over Brentford and draw with Inter Milan. ALSO READ: Kevin De Bruyne injury latest vs Arsenal as Pep Guardiola provides update ALSO READ: 'Try to avoid' - Pep Guardiola faces one Arsenal worry he knows only too well Asked if he ever sets City up to be pragmatic, Guardiola described his side as 'the best team in the world being pragmatic'. His point - to be pragmatic doesn't always mean to defend deep and play for a 0-0.
"Look at the numbers, we won a lot," he said. "What does it mean - related in the results, not the beautiful football? I don't believe that. I believe in the way we play.
We are unbelievably pragmatic. The best I would say, I'm sorry. It's the truth.
"To play 95 minutes, the opponents have to defend in their box, .