Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Pep Guardiola jokes Patrice Evra wants Man Utd job as he hits back at ‘personality’ taunt

Pep Guardiola Man City v Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola has hit back at Patrice Evra, claiming that he could put together a list of players he has worked with who have personality.

Manchester City boss Guardiola is in the spotlight as the current season comes to its final stages. The Spaniard is on course to guide City to another Premier League title in the battle with Liverpool.

However, he fell short again in the Champions League, losing to Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

As a result, former Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra had his say on Guardiola‘s coaching style.

The Frenchman claimed that Guardiola “takes away your responsibilities” as a player and “doesn’t want leaders or personality”.

However, the City boss has now hit back. He has claimed that his illustrious coaching career at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now City has been full of players rich in personality and leadership traits.

Guardiola also joked that Evra made the comments in the hope of getting back in at United.

“Maybe Evra is right or maybe he’s doing a good quote to come back to Manchester United to work there,” the 51-year-old told the Daily Mail.

“I’ve had nice, incredible players in my past at Barcelona, Bayern, Man City.

“I could give a good list in terms of personality and character. Most of them have won World Cups, European, Champions Leagues and leagues.

“Patrice – if we were together, I would show you the personality and character of my players right now that we have, absolutely.”

As well as three Premier League triumphs, Guardiola has led City to four Carabao Cup successes and the FA Cup.

And while he has not won the Champions League with his current club, he did so twice with Barcelona.

Guardiola facing Man City decision

Pep Guardiola sitting on the Manchester City bench

The Spaniard has only one year left on his current contract, but he is reportedly set to renew.

His Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp has committed his future at Anfield until 2026. City’s quest for more Premier League titles will therefore not get any easier.

However, it is the Champions League which continues to escape Guardiola.

Reports have claimed that he has agreed in principle to extend his terms until 2025.

And with a deal for striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund now over the line, Guardiola will hope he finally has the tools at his disposal to claim glory again in Europe.