What Pep Guardiola did at full-time that really angered Newcastle United fans on social media
Pep Guardiola has form when it comes to chatting up the opposition side's top players at the end of a game.
The Manchester City manager has done it several times when coming up against Newcastle United, often putting an arm around Bruno Guimaraes at the end of a match and having a chat.
In isolation, it is what it is, but when it comes amid a backdrop of rumours linking Man City with an interest in Bruno, it looks very suspicious, and when it happens on more than one occasion, it becomes an issue.
On Monday, huge doubt was cast over the future of Sandro Tonali amid rumours linking the Italian wth a move to Arsenal. That rumour was quickly squashed, but Tonali's agent mentioned revisiting his valuation in March, which heavily suggests plans are afoot.
Pep Guardiola and Sandro Tonali had a long chat in the centre circle after the game last night
So, it really didn't help last night when Sandro Tonali and Pep Guardiola had a full-on conversation in the centre circle after the game, walking off the pitch arm in arm, skipping as they went, gazing longingly into each other's eyes. I mean, I may have embellished slightly, but you get my point.
Craig Hope posted the clip on X but later followed up with quotes from Pep Guardiola after he confronted the City boss about what they were talking about.
"My Italian is perfect, so that’s why I can communicate with him. We have a friend in common in Brescia. Every time we are connected all three, through him.
"I know his father a long time ago. All the time we met we talk about AC Milan, the supporters & how happy he is here in Newcastle. He’s a really top, top player. A top player."
Why do it in plain view of the fans?
We aren't naive; we get that these people will have things in common and interests beyond football and may want to catch up with friends when they see them.
But why do it out on the pitch in full view of a load of fans? Chat in the tunnel or away from the cameras and fans, it's just common sense.
We're sure there's nothing sinister going on, but it still isn't a good look.
