Pep's trademark sarcasm: "PSG vs Bayern, what a terrible match!"
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 01.05.26. | 18:21
Manchester City boss explained his decision to see a lower-league game Stockport County - Port Vale instead of the Champions League blockbuster
Pep Guardiola had little time for what many billed as a "clash of the century" between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
While much of Europe tuned in to watch two of the continent's heavyweights, the Manchester City manager chose a different path, opting instead for lower-league fare between Stockport County and Port Vale.
His explanation, delivered with a familiar glint of sarcasm, raised more than a few eyebrows.
"The day before, I saw PSG against Bayern and thought: 'What a terrible match.' The coaches, Luis Enrique and Vincent Kompany, didn't seem particularly good to me, and the level of some players was… not great," Guardiola said, laughing.
"I'm in love with English football, so I went to watch Stockport."
Pep Guardiola is at Edgeley Park tonight watching Stockport County against Port Vale! 👁️ pic.twitter.com/zHpHDgbYsl
— City Report (@cityreport_) April 28, 2026
Guardiola struck a similarly tongue-in-cheek tone when comparing that tie to Atletico Madrid's meeting with Arsenal.
"That's the beauty of football. You and I are not the same. I'm more handsome than you," he joked. "In any case, it was a good match, just with different styles."
Away from the quips, there were more practical concerns. Rodri has not featured since picking up an injury at the end of April...
"He is improving, but he still hasn't trained with us. We'll see in the coming days," Guardiola said. "Do I trust he'll be ready for Everton? I always have confidence…"
Ruben Dias remains sidelined too, though Guardiola suggested progress is being made.
"He is still not with the team, but he is improving. He, Josko Gvardiol and Rodri are all better."
And this weekend’s title rivals?
"Arsenal's match? Maybe I'll watch it," he added, with a smile.
😁 Pep Guardiola explains why he was in attendance at Stockport-Port Vale on same night as PSG-Bayern.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 1, 2026
“I saw the calendar, PSG-Bayern, I said what a disaster game, sh*t managers, bad players…”. 😂
“I love English football and I went to Stockport!”.@BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/kxcNRlkCA2
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 35
Friday
22.00: (1.40) Leeds (4.70) Burnley (8.00)
Saturday
17.00: (2.00) Brentford (3.75) West Ham (3.65)
17.00: (2.55) Newcastle (3.50) Brighton (2.65)
17.00: (3.25) Wolverhampton (3.35) Sunderland (2.25)
19.30: (1.50) Arsenal (4.30) Fulham (7.75)
Sunday
16.00: (1.63) Bournemouth (4.20) Crystal Palace (5.00)
17.30: (2.40) Man.Utd. (3.90) Liverpool (2.80)
21.00: (2.15) Aston Villa (3.60) Tottenham (3.60)
Monday
17.00: (1.75) Chelsea (4.20) Nott.Forest (4.60)
22.00: (6.50) Everton (4.80) Man.City (1.50)
***odds are subject to change***