Pep Guardiola blames red wine and Tony Pulis for late arrival

A glass of red wine with Tony Pulis resulted in Pep Guardiola turning up late for his post-match press conference following his side’s 3-1 victory over West Brom.

The Manchester City manager apologised to journalists for his late arrival after his side picked up three crucial points at the Etihad in the race for the top four.

“First of all, sorry for the delay,” Pep told the assembled press, blaming chit-chat with West Brom’s wine connoisseur for the delay.

“Tony Pulis is Tony Pulis and red wine is red wine, so sorry for that,” he joked.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Kevin de Bruyne and Yaya Toure secured a comfortable win for City, who moved back up to third place in the table.

Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, gave an emotional farewell speech to fans at the final whistle.

“As a football player and as a football fan it was a dream to come to the Premier League,” he said.

“I said to my girlfriend, now my wife, let me go to Manchester, I will enjoy it, it will only be for three or four years, so I’ll have to say sorry, it’s been nine years.”

Guardiola’s side travel to Watford on Sunday knowing victory will guarantee them a top four finish.

“It was a good night and it's in our hands to finish third,” the manager added. “We go to London to win the game.

“I would not say it's done, fourth, but Arsenal have to win five or 6-0 to qualify fourth, but we are there. We will travel and try to put in a good performance and win.”

Premier League prize moneyRegisterLog incommenting policy