Pep Guardiola defends right to speak on Palestinian children after criticism | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola used his Friday press conference to defend his right to speak about Palestinian children and the killing of innocents, responding to criticism from representatives of Manchester’s Jewish community.

He reiterated that he would speak out whenever innocent people are killed anywhere, questioned why a coach should be unable to express how he feels, and said he respects all opinions even when he disagrees.

Guardiola said he condemns all conflicts worldwide and rejected any suggestion that he had ranked one country above another, adding that some may not grasp his message.

On Tuesday, he voiced anger at thousands of innocent people killed by war, citing genocide in Palestine and referencing Ukraine, Russia, Sudan and elsewhere.

Last week, he travelled privately to his native region around Barcelona to deliver a speech in favour of Palestinian children, a rare intervention in football that drew both praise and criticism.

On Wednesday, the Representative Council of Jews of Greater Manchester posted on X, urging Guardiola to focus on football and expressing concern that such remarks could fuel antisemitic acts.

Source: L'Équipe