Pep Guardiola issues blatant lie in response to questions over Josko Gvardiol conversation | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola responded with a hilarious blatant lie to one journalist and his question over the Catalan’s on-field interaction with Josko Gvardiol.

The moment came in the aftermath of City’s comfortable 3-0 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola was seen deep in conversation with Gvardiol on the pitch following the final whistle.

The animated exchange caught the attention of reporters, keen to decipher whether it related to tactical details or performance feedback off the back of City’s latest win that continued their strong run of form in the Premier League.

Erling Haaland once again led the way whilst the defence behind him remained largely untroubled throughout. Gvardiol, deployed in his now familiar central defensive role, delivered another assured display as Pep Guardiola’s side controlled proceedings from start to finish.

As has often been the case in recent weeks, Pep Guardiola’s post-match press conference balanced seriousness with humour, and having spoken extensively about standards, mentality, and even players’ Christmas diets in recent comments, the City manager appeared in a playful mood when the subject of his private chat with Josko Gvardiol was raised.

“We talked about how is Croatia, for the holidays,” Pep Guardiola responded. “I’m going to see my dad [at Christmas] for a few days, 94-years-old, for a few days and after go to Croatia, some beaches. And that’s why I asked, ‘Where do I have to go?’”

However, the Manchester City manager quickly continued, “Do you like my answer? Good.

“It’s not true, but it doesn’t matter – right?”

The exchange drew laughter in the club’s press conference room and underlined Pep Guardiola’s long-standing approach to media duties, where he often deflects probing questions with wit rather than revealing technical or tactical discussions held with his players.

In reality, Guardiola has frequently used post-match moments to reinforce messages around positioning, decision-making, and game management – particularly with defenders like Gvardiol, who continue to adapt to Manchester City’s fluid system.

With the Croatian international playing an increasingly important role this season, and most commonly alongside Ruben Dias, such conversations are a regular part of Pep Guardiola’s hands-on coaching style.

Looking ahead, Manchester City face a packed festive schedule with little margin for error at the top of the table. While Pep Guardiola may joke in front of the cameras, his recent comments elsewhere suggest focus remains firmly on performance levels, physical condition, and consistency.

As the Premier League title race intensifies between Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, expect more animated on-pitch discussions, even if the explanations afterwards are not always entirely truthful.