Guardiola Unconcerned by Manchester City Players’ Party With ‘Instagram Models’

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended his players following reports that members of the squad attended a delayed Christmas party involving several Italian Instagram models.

The gathering reportedly took place after City’s emphatic 6-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa.

Guardiola had previously prevented his players from attending the club’s official Christmas party because of concerns about a repeat of the previous year’s celebrations, when some players were reportedly out until the early hours.

However, the City manager said he had no problem with his squad spending time together away from football and confirmed that he was aware of the gathering.

“I knew about it,” Guardiola said. “When they have time, they make a lot of dinners together, with the staff. They did it many times anyway.”

The Spaniard added that he encouraged his players to socialise together away from the training ground.

“I like it when they are together outside here. They do it sometimes at home, sometimes in a restaurant, as was the case. It was nice,” he said.

City were preparing to host Crystal Palace in the Premier League, with Guardiola’s side sitting second in the table and 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Guardiola also praised Palace manager Roy Hodgson, describing the 72-year-old’s continued passion for management as remarkable.

He recalled Hodgson’s successful work after taking charge of Palace during the 2017-18 season, when the club had started the campaign poorly and appeared to be facing relegation.

“It’s a pleasure and honour for me to face him,” Guardiola said, adding that the pair enjoyed a good relationship.

Asked whether he could imagine himself still coaching at Hodgson’s age, Guardiola said he was unsure how long he would remain in management.

He insisted he would continue as long as he enjoyed the job and received suitable opportunities but admitted he also had interests outside football that he wanted to pursue in the future.

Guardiola also wished new Barcelona manager Quique Setien well following his appointment as Ernesto Valverde’s successor.

The former Barcelona coach praised Setien’s style of football and said he hoped the Spaniard and his staff would succeed at the Catalan club.