Pep Guardiola misses Manchester City press conference ahead of Tottenham clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola missed media duties ahead of his side’s trip to Tottenham for personal reasons on Friday, reports BritPanorama.
The City boss was scheduled to hold a lunchtime press conference to preview Sunday’s Premier League game, but the club later confirmed assistant manager Pep Lijnders would step in for him.
Guardiola’s absence follows his speech at a charity concert in Barcelona, where he voiced support for Palestinian children affected by the ongoing conflict. The Spaniard, who managed Barcelona from 2008 to 2012, has returned to a lighter schedule after overseeing Manchester City’s 2-0 victory against Galatasaray in their recent Champions League match.
Following his impactful speech, where he expressed concern for children who have lost parents amid the Gaza conflict, Guardiola received a standing ovation. He is expected to resume training on Saturday. City currently sits second in the Premier League, having advanced to the EFL Cup semi-finals and the Champions League Round of 16 for the 2025-2026 season. Guardiola recently marked his 400th win as the club’s manager, with speculation surrounding his contract, which expires at the end of next season, continuing to grow.
As City prepares for their upcoming fixture against Tottenham, recent history suggests a challenging encounter; since the opening of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April 2019, City has struggled, securing only two wins in eight attempts and failing to score in five of their first visits.
In the world of sport, the drama extends beyond the pitch. Guardiola’s statements highlight the intersection of football and broader humanitarian issues, reminding fans and players alike that passion for the game can coexist with a profound awareness of the world outside it.
