Roy Keane praises Pep Guardiola’s response to ‘idiot’ autograph hunters
Roy Keane has applauded the scathing lecture Pep Guardiola gave to “idiot” autograph hunters who targeted him near his home.
Footage emerged this week of Manchester City manager Guardiola scolding a group chasing his signature on memorabilia with the apparent intention of selling it on.
He has now been backed by former Manchester United captain Keane, who told the Stick to Football podcast (listen below): “Good on Pep Guardiola for lecturing the autograph hunters – they are an absolute nuisance. You see them everywhere and he’s dead right. Years ago, if you wanted a jersey or a photograph, there was an element of respect. There isn’t that respect now. Now there’s people waiting in the car parks. Also, is that his house? It’s awful if they know where people are living now. They’re idiots. Well done, Pep.”
The footage, which emerged following City’s 8-0 FA Cup third-round thrashing of Salford City on Saturday, sees Guardiola warn: “Don’t come again. I won’t tell you again. I know your faces. Go to school and prepare yourself, guys. You are young guys, so don’t be here, wasting time.”
He then asks, “Do you want to live your life doing this, honestly?”, to which one of those present sheepishly replies: “No, I used to be a chef.”
Guardiola continued: “Let’s continue to do it. Prepare better. F---ing hell, man, this isn’t for all the people. This is for you. What are your dreams? Tell me, what is it? Where do you dream, my friend? Practise, f---ing hell, practise.”
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The clip emerged on Monday, the same day as reports from Spain that Guardiola and his wife, Cristina Serra, were to separate after a 30-year relationship. It has subsequently been claimed Guardiola’s decision to sign a new two-year contract at City had played a part in the split and that the pair could reconcile once he returns to his homeland.
The following evening, Guardiola unleashed an extraordinary post-match tirade towards Stefan Ortega after his team’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Brentford, screaming in the goalkeeper’s face while also seeming to hug and praise him.
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A month ago, another clip emerged showing Guardiola clashing with a man following what appeared to be City’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United last season.
Guardiola was filmed having to be held back by his entourage upon being heckled by the man, who had said: “Just cos you lost.”
The City manager could be heard responding, “Do you know what is lost?”, as he was led away.
The previous month, Guardiola said he did not mean to “make light of the very serious issue of self-harm” with an apparent joke about scratch marks on his face and a cut to his nose after City’s extraordinary collapse against Feyenoord.
Guardiola sported the injuries after repeatedly fidgeting with his face during his side’s 3-3 Champions League draw in which they had led 3-0 with 15 minutes remaining.
Asked about the marks in his post-match press conference, he had replied: “I want to harm myself,” before leaving the room.
The remarks were made during an unprecedented winless run for Guardiola that left City on the brink of Champions League elimination and all but out of the Premier League title race.
