Pep Guardiola praised Sheffield Wednesday’s heroic comeback against Peterborough United in his pre-match press conference for Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea.
Guardiola, who has won the Premier League five times after City were confirmed as champions yesterday, was asked in his pre-match press conference if he had changed English football. Guardiola hit back at these claims and used Sheffield Wednesday’s exciting comeback against Peterborough as an example of how English football was one of the most unique and exciting in the world before he arrived.
What Was Said?
Guardiola lauded the uniqueness of English football and was full of praise for Sheffield Wednesday’s valiant comeback on Thursday night in the League One playoffs. Wednesday were 4-0 down after the first leg to Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough United but remarkably, Darren Moore’s side made it 4-4 on aggregate with just seconds to go and then went on to get to penalties, even with Peterborough hitting back and retaking the lead in extra time. Callum Patterson was the hero, forcing the game to penalties for Sheffield Wednesday, and from then on the script was written and Moore’s side were on their way to Wembley.
“I saw Sheffield [Wednesday] against Peterborough… 4-0, 4-0 and after, extra-time and penalties to be in a play-off to go to the Championship. I imagine, can I see that in Spain, can I see that in Germany, can I see that in Italy? It’s impossible…
“The crowd, live on Sky, no other countries do that. They respect a lot the top clubs, more followed than other ones, but here the respect for lower divisions is hats off. That’s why this country is special. 33,000, full and crazy after 4-0.
“In other countries, 4-0? No chance. It’s 4-4! And after, 4-1, 5-1, penalties – this is England! That’s why it’s unique! That’s why it’s so special, and that’s why I’m a long time here! I love it.”
Pep is a Wednesdayite*. 👌 #SWFC • #WAWAW • 📹@BeanymanSports
*not quite. pic.twitter.com/fk1ibpRN9x
— The Wednesday ’Til I Die Podcast (@WTIDPOD) May 20, 2023
What’s Next For Wednesday and Guardiola?
Wednesday face off against fellow Yorkshire side, Barnsley in the playoff final next Monday as they look to return to the Championship after two years away from the second tier of English football. Moore will be hoping his key players will turn up under the famous Wembley arch and will be wishing for a repeat of the second leg of the semi-final, rather than the sort of performance they showed in the first.
Guardiola will be hoping his Man City side can win against Chelsea today despite having already confirmed their status as Premier League champions. They are also hunting down a famous treble, with Guardiola hoping they can win the FA Cup and the Champions League, with Man City set to compete in both finals next month.
Writers View
Guardiola has recognized the lower divisions multiple times before and it is clear he has a lot of respect for the English game. While Guardiola has changed English football to an extent, it is refreshing to see him acknowledge the uniqueness of the lower leagues, especially considering what he has achieved in his remarkable career.
