Pep Guardiola has hit back at Wayne Rooney for comments he made following Manchester City's victory over Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
City desperately needed a win against the Premier League leaders at the Etihad Stadium as they battle it out for the title. The Citizens got the three points they needed, with goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland giving them a crucial 2-1 victory.
Everyone connected with City was jubilant after the final whistle as they enthusiastically celebrated their victory. However, their post-match celebrations did not go down well with everyone, with Rooney among their critics.
He said on Match of the Day: "(The celebrations) were a bit over the top. It's six games to go for City, it's obviously a big win. I also think for Arsenal, they need to pick themselves up from that. I just think it's a little bit premature and it might come back to bite them."
He added on his podcast: "I think the celebrations were a bit much. Obviously it's a massive game. There's a long way to go and I still think there will be twist and turns. Obviously City are happy they won the game and are delighted they won it, but Arsenal are still top.
"They've got three points more in the bag - City have to go and get those points in a tough game against Crystal Palace. How many times have City won five or six games in a row this season? It's not easy to do in the Premier League. Don't celebrate too much, too soon."
Pep Guardiola Responds to Wayne Rooney's Celebration Criticism
Wayne Rooney
Guardiola was made aware of Rooney's comments, and he did not agree with them at all. Speaking in his press conference ahead of City's clash against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening, Guardiola said, per the Guardian:
“People can say whatever stupid things they want to say. They celebrated because they know the value of the opponent. They knew if we didn’t win it would be ‘bye-bye [to the title race]’. They won and still we are there. How can they not celebrate it? As much as you respect the opponent and the fans of the opponent, celebrate however you want.
“Of course we are not going to celebrate in the middle of the week if we win 3-0 or 4-0 and the opponent is different. Everybody knew that game, it was a final. Especially for us. Maybe not for them but for us it was a final and of course you have to celebrate it.”
Pep Guardiola: We Can't Afford to Drop Any More Points
pep guardiola
Guardiola's side now know that if they win every game until now and the end of the season - and their goal difference is superior to Arsenal's - they will win the Premier League title.
The 55-year-old, considered one of the best managers in football history, is adamant his side have to win their remaining six matches if they are to oust Arsenal. He said, per Man City's official website: “[This is] a game to try to be the same points as them.
“As we have with Arsenal and Liverpool in the past, both teams know we cannot drop points or lose, because it will be difficult to recover. The calendar is so demanding. It’s really tough.
“We go to Burnley and have to perform to the level that we have to do. We go to win the game because it’s what we need.”