Pep Guardiola has suggested that Rico Lewis' three-match ban is a harsh decision, but that it allows him to gain important rest ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The defender was shown a straight red card in our opening FIFA Club World Cup Group G win against Wydad AC after a late clash with Samuel Obeng.
A three-match ban has since been upheld by FIFA, meaning the defender’s next possible appearance would be at the quarter-final stage, should City progress.
Guardiola took the positives, pointing out that the ban gives Lewis an opportunity to rest and recover for either the latter stages of the tournament, or the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
However, the boss felt the decision was harsh on Lewis, believing it to be a completely unintentional offence from the young defender.
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He said: “I didn’t have the honour to talk [with Chairman of FIFA Referee’s Committee Pierluigi Collina] so whether it’s two or three [games]… I’m pretty sure the referees don’t know Rico.
“He’s the sweetest and kindest and sometimes as a defender I say he needs to be more aggressive. It’s an action without intention.
“I know what the image can pretend to be but both are on the floor. The action, I know it can be tough but it’s Rico Lewis.
“I can imagine what happened with the other type of players, but it is what it is. They make three games, he has more time to rest and more time to be on the beach.
“He can be with his girlfriend then will hopefully be back if we go through in the next games and during the season.
“I know Rico and it’s never his intention to hurt anyone. The history of him is there, but if they want to show how serious they are then okay, accept the three games and move forward.”
Hear Pep Guardiola’s thoughts in full via the video above...
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