Guardiola ‘Understands Financial Constraints’ On Supporter Attendance

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has stated he didn’t intend to cause offence to Manchester City supporters after an unusually low crowd were in attendance to watch City’s 4-0 thumping of Championship side Fulham in the FA Cup.

39223 supporters were inside the Etihad at the blues cruised to a 4-0 win to progress to the fifth round, but manager Guardiola said “today was not full – I don’t know why,” much to the annoyance of the City faithful, as some took to social media to vent their frustrations with the comments.

However, the Catalan boss has now back-tracked on his comments, and acknowledged the financial constraints the supporters endure. “I understand the fans. It was never my intention to offend them,” Guardiola said. “It’s so nice to have the fans here. I am always grateful for their support.

The blues have played six games at home since 20 December, with another match at home on Wednesday against United in the Carabao Cup and will be back in League action on 9^th February as West Ham arrive in Manchester before the winter break is taken.

Guardiola has previously questioned City’s support when he expressed his disappointed that the club only sold 25,000 of their 30,000 allocation for last season’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton, saying “I don’t know the reason why, maybe the club could answer it better.”

The blues have come continually under fire from all sides, particularly opposing fans when it comes to attendances at the Etihad, despite having an average of greater than 54,000 on match days.