Following Rodri’s accusations, Pep Guardiola dismissively brushed aside inquiries about officiating during Manchester City’s match against Chelsea. The frustration was palpable as several calls went against City, and despite multiple VAR checks for penalties, the home team received none. “I don’t want to talk about the referee, but I don’t remember a game with so many VAR checks and none for us, come on, man,” Rodri lamented after the match.
When asked about Rodri’s remarks, Guardiola insisted on specific details. “Which ones? I’m not sure,” he remarked. “I can tell you if you tell me the precise decisions, but I’m not sure what you mean. We must play better in the opening half.”
In response to a question about a late penalty call involving Ruben Dias and Levi Colwill, Guardiola playfully retorted, “Which one? Which one is within the Chelsea box? I failed to notice it.”
Despite Rodri’s displeasure with the decisions, he echoed his manager’s sentiment about the team needing improvement. He emphasized individual accountability and defensive improvements. “It was in our hands, and we have to do better in individual actions; you can’t let the game go this way,” Rodri stated. “We need to accept responsibility if we are to win the league; I’m not pointing fingers.”
Expressing frustration about missed opportunities, Rodri acknowledged the unpredictability of the game. “I felt like we had momentum and had opportunities to win, but sometimes the ball just doesn’t go in. It can be frustrating.”
In the face of referee-related questions, Rodri urged to move on, emphasizing the need to focus on the game rather than dwelling on officiating. Guardiola and Rodri both acknowledged the team’s responsibility for their performance, seeking improvements to maintain their position in the league.
