Brentford manager invited to one-on-one coffee date with Pep Guardiola over Abdukodir Khusanov debate | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered to discuss a contentious refereeing decision with Brentford’s Keith Andrews over a coffee at the club’s training ground.

City’s progression into the Carabao Cup semi-finals came amid a night of renewed confidence and attacking fluency at the Etihad Stadium, with Guardiola’s side building on recent momentum following eye-catching performances in both domestic and European competition.

While Rayan Cherki once again proved decisive with a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock, the contest was shaped just as much by a flashpoint early in the first half that left Brentford aggrieved. With no VAR in operation at this stage, the on-field decision regarding Abdukodir Khusanov became a point for debate.

Brentford’s frustration was heightened by their positive start, as City were required to remain patient and structured before asserting control – a recurring theme in recent performances that Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff have publicly praised in previous outings.

Speaking to reporters after Brentford’s 2-0 defeat at the Etihad and exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of City, Keith Andrews was keen to insist upon his opinion on Khusanov’s first-half yellow card.

“There were a few big moments, obviously,” Andrews first pointed out. “But that was probably one of them. Yeah, it was a big moment wasn’t it – 15, 16 minutes into the game,” he continued.

“I’m very quick to defend officials and I genuinely am; I’ve been drawn into nothing so far in the time I’ve been in charge because it’s such a difficult job.

“But it’s one I feel that they [the referees] didn’t get right tonight, and the explanation around the touch being too far away from goal doesn’t quite sit well with me after watching it back because he’s clearly through on goal.”

When Keith Andrews’ point of view was put to Pep Guardiola during his own post-match press conference, the Manchester City boss said, “Yeah OK.

“Tomorrow, in the training ground, I’ll invite him for a coffee to discuss that with him,” before winking at reporters.

One detail in a post-match report from MailSport’s Jack Gaughan revealed that Brentford were due to stay in the North on Wednesday night, before using Manchester City’s facilities on Thursday ahead of their Premier League match against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.

For Manchester City, attention now turns firmly towards a two-legged semi-final clash with Newcastle United, as well as maintaining momentum across competitions, with squad depth, discipline, and game management continuing to define Pep Guardiola’s evolving side.