Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has spoken up in support of the club’s fans amid their protest over ticket prices.
The Cityzens have organized the protest during the Premier League clash against Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday (April 2) night.
City fans have voiced their complaints about several issues, including ticket sales at the Etihad from third-party re-sale partners like Viagogo, possible increases in ticket prices, and away fans acquiring tickets ahead of the home crowd. The fans also raised a concern about the overall lack of engagement between the club and them.
What Pep Guardiola said
Pep Guardiola has backed Man City fans in their protests, legitimizing their right to raise concerns with the club. While addressing the press on Friday, the Spanish manager also mentioned that there is a scheduled meeting between the club and the Fan Advisory Board City Matters to discuss the issues.
“I want to be honest, I don’t know the reasons why [fans are protesting]. They have a meeting on Thursday with the fans. This is what they will talk [about]. This is a football club that depends on its fans, from Maine Road, from a long time ago,” he said.
“Football clubs belong to the people and if the people don’t agree with something… they can legitimately express concerns with the club. And the club is open, listening to them, arriving in agreement so everybody can be satisfied.”
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Guardiola also urged the club authorities to pay heed to what the fans have to say while emphasizing on the importance of fans for a club.
“They applaud when we won and they boo when they are dissatisfied with our performance. Imagine going to the stadium with no fans, it would make no sense. Our job would make no sense, close the door. All I can say is that I – and we – need them. We need the support because we are playing for a lot. But who am I to not agree with the people expressing themselves? I can have my opinion but that is not relevant.”
“The club has to be active in many departments in the decisions being made. The club has to take it for the benefit of the club. The club doesn’t take it for granted,” added Guardiola.
Some Man City fans have also expressed concerns about not being valued as long-term supporters compared to newer fans or visitors.
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