Hackett swipes at ‘media smokescreen’ after Man City boss Guardiola’s Champions League reveal
Keith Hackett has hit back at the media for trying to create a “smokescreen” by attempting to draw Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola into criticising the referee ahead of the Champions League final.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League official suggested Guardiola did not share his thoughts on Antonio Mateu Lahoz as UEFA will not hesitate to punish those that question the integrity of the referee.
In 2018, Guardiola said the Spaniard “likes to be different” after he sent him off during City’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Liverpool.
Speaking ahead of his side’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, Guardiola told the BBC he “couldn’t care less” that Matue Lahoz was in charge of the final.
“Often this is a media smokescreen rather than actual facts,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It will be unlikely that the referee will be reading the manager’s comments prior to the game.
“What he will be doing, is looking at players, teams and the tactics. He’ll prepare so he knows the players. That’s for sure.
“The manager’s not on the pitch, he’s not playing. This referee actually sent Guardiola to the stand on one occasion so there might be a bit of that.
“But, no. I don’t think that comes into it. It’s a new game and a new scenario.
“Guardiola knows that UEFA take a much more active role in comments made by managers to the media. They don’t encourage it.”
Matue Lahoz earned praise from all quarters for his performance during the game.
The one major flashpoint saw him wave away City’s appeal for a penalty when the ball struck Reece James’ hand after hitting his chest first.
In other news, Manchester City have opened contract talks with a teenage sensation who is as good as Phil Foden.