PREMIER - City fans' group tells Guardiola to concentrate on coaching

Pep Guardiola's call for larger crowds at the Etihad has enraged a Manchester City fan club, which has told the City manager to focus on coaching.

Guardiola was irritated by the low attendance for City's 6-3 triumph against RB Leipzig in the Champions League opener on Wednesday.

The 38,062 who watched the nine-goal thriller were far less than the nearly 50,000 who watched City's first two Premier League games.

Guardiola, according to Kevin Parker, the general secretary of City's official supporters' group, has to be more grateful of the time and money supporters provide to the club.

"He doesn't understand the difficulties that some people might have getting to a game at the Etihad on a Wednesday evening at 8pm," Parker said.

"They've got kids to think of, they might not be able to afford it, there are still some Covid issues about. I don't see why he comments on it.

"He's absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that."

Parker added that Guardiola's comments will only add fuel to the fire of opposition fans mocking City's support.

"People refer to the Etihad as the 'Emptyhad'. It's a little bit of fun by the opposition supporters but there's no justification for it. It's not factual. Our attendances are generally excellent."