Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says a pair of incidents in the Manchester Derby have taken their toll on Jack Grealish and Phil Foden. Grealish was allegedly slapped by a fan as he left the field at full-time, while Foden was subjected to unsavoury chants referencing his mother.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to the Grealish incident. The individual, named by police as Alfie Holt of Haven Drive, Droylesden, is also understood to have been banned from Old Trafford.
Foden was seen sarcastically clapping and giving a thumbs up following the chants about mum Claire. Guardiola insisted individuals were to blame, rather than pinning everything on rivals United, but has admitted his players have been affected by what happened.
“He doesn’t feel good but we move forward,” Guardiola told reporters when asked about the pair. “It’s a crazy world. Nobody is away from that.
“It’s not about United, it’s not a problem of a specific club or department in world football. It’s beyond that person. It happens everywhere.”
Earlier, Guardiola had said the chants showed a “lack of class”. However, speaking after the Old Trafford draw, he added: “But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know?
“We are so exposed, people who are on the screen in world football – managers, owners, and football players especially. Honestly, I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil. It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”
On the pitch, City’s goalless draw at Old Trafford left them outside the Champions League qualification spots. They have a chance to at least temporarily climb up to fourth on Saturday when they face Crystal Palace, but Guardiola has a number of injuries to contend with.
Rodri and Erling Haaland are not expected to feature again in the league this season, while defenders John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are all sidelined. Foden is also a doubt after being withdrawn before the hour mark against United.
“[Injuries] happened all season, we adapt,” Guardiola said ahead of the Palace game. “You can see it as a problem or a challenge, the position is a disaster or it could be worse.
“I’m happy with the way we handled the situation and where we are. The challenge is to qualify in the Champions League next season, the home games, difficult ones we have and tomorrow we have a team in incredible top form in the last month or two months.
“Always it’s difficult with Palace here, I admire a lot the manager (Oliver Glasner) and way they play, the talent and physicality there are no doubts. But we have to be optimistic to finish well this season.”
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