"It's not sport" - Pep Guardiola on European Super League

Pep Guardiola has said that the European Super League is not sport if there is no relegation and promotion

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says the 12 clubs that established the European Super League need to explain the concept behind it and a Super League without relegation or promotion is "not sport". 

The Premier League table-toppers are part of the founding members of the breakaway tournament which would see the creation of a 'closed league', which none of the 12 founding clubs can be relegated. 

Guardiola said he was not comfortable answering questions about the new tournament because he has no knowledge of the details other than the statement released to everyone but he was not sold out on the idea.

PEP 💬 The presidents can speak more clearly about where football is going to go. It is uncomfortable for us because we don't have all the info. I can give you my opinion, but no more.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021

PEP 💬 As I said, I don't have all the info. I have some info. If you ask me why these teams have been selected to play this hypothetical competition in the future… sport, is not a sport when the relationship between effort and reward does not exist.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021

"It is not sport if it doesn't matter when you lose" - Guardiola

PEP 💬 No, because it is an embryo that is still not yet breathing. It is just a statement. It is not breathing. It is a reality. We are going to play the UCL next week and try to reach the final next season, we are going to play in Europe because we deserve it.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021

Guardiola also questioned the selection process as big European teams like Ajax are not part of the founding members

PEP 💬 The players have to focus on Aston Villa. It is a worldwide issue and it needs to be clarified why these teams are in and others aren’t like Ajax who have four or five Champions Leagues. They have to clarify that.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021

UEFA failed, they think for themselves

Pep Guardiola also said that UEFA failed the clubs and players during the coronavirus Pandemic as they had to fight for 5 subs and also the schedule are too tight which is making players struggle with injury.

He pointed out that Bayern Munich had to play the champions league quarter-finals against PSG without their best player Robert Lewandowski who picked up an injury while playing for his country.

Bayern Munich were knocked out of the tournament losing to PSG on away goals after a 3-3 draw on aggregate.

PEP 💬 They have to clarify and make it real clear what is the next step and then people can decide what to do. Then we have to go together as much as possible. But at the same time, don’t be cynical. Everyone thinks for themselves. UEFA thinks for themselves.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021

PEP 💬 In the most important part of the season, when we fight for the titles Lewandowski could not play against PSG because he got injured on international duty. UEFA decided that because it’s their business and Lewandowski could not play. Everyone is for themselves.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021

Man City will play Aston Villa tomorrow in the Premier League before facing Tottenham in the Carabao cup final at Wembley on Sunday then they will face PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. 

Despite the busy week ahead, Guardiola's questions were mostly about the ESL news.

Watch Pep Guardiola speaking about the European Super League

🗣️ "It is not sport if the relationship between the effort and reward doesn't exist."

🗣️ "It is not sport if it doesn't matter if you lose"

Pep Guardiola shares his thoughts on the European Super League pic.twitter.com/Qy7gJMYdUW

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 20, 2021