By AFP
Pep Guardiola has defended Manchester City’s celebrations
after the Premier League leaders beat fierce rivals Manchester United at Old
Trafford, saying they were “definitely not” over the top.
United boss Jose Mourinho was unhappy with City’s reaction
after their 2-1 win on Sunday and made his feelings known outside the visitors’
dressing room on the way to his post-match interviews.
In the ugly scenes following the game, Mourinho reportedly
had milk and water thrown at him and City assistant coach Mikel Arteta
sustained a cut to his head.
City and United are holding internal investigations and have
until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to present their accounts to the Football
Association.
The governing body will then determine whether there is
enough evidence to pursue charges against specific individuals and/or the clubs
themselves.
Guardiola admitted he encouraged his players to celebrate
but said they were not extravagant, adding they were confined to the visitors’
dressing room.
“I encouraged the players to celebrate… but of course inside
the locker room,” he said.
“We have huge respect for our opponents, not just for
Manchester United, all the opponents. Football and life is not about when we
lose, (then) you have to accept the defeat.”
Guardiola was asked if there was anything extravagant about
City’s celebrations that might have provoked a reaction from United but he
replied: “No, definitely not. Believe me, definitely not.
“It was the same as the Southampton game. It was 96 minutes
and something like that but were ready. We were happy. Believe me, we were
happy.
“We won a derby against Manchester United. At that the
moment the biggest rival we have to win it. So people expect we are not going
to celebrate? No, we celebrate.”
“And after what happened, happened,” he added. “Hopefully it
cannot not happen again. What happened, we make the statement to the FA
investigation and they are going to decide.”
City’s win at Old Trafford took them 11 points clear of
United, their nearest challengers at the top of the table.
Victory away to Swansea City on Wednesday would
give them a record 15th consecutive Premier League win.
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