- Pep Guardiola missed Champions League thriller
- Watched League One fixture instead
- Manager explains his decision
Football fans across Europe tuned in on Tuesday night to watch PSG do battle with Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
It was a sensational match, as both teams showcased attacking qualities which even had neutrals lost for words.
However, Pep Guardiola was occupied with a different fixture. Bizarrely, the manager was spotted at Stockport vs Port Vale, a game which was won by the already relegated visiting team.
Pep Guardiola explains why he missed Champions League goal fest
PSG and Bayern broke a record for recording the most goals in a Champions League semi-final tie, but Guardiola does not regret his decision.
The Man City boss has revealed that he wanted to be at Edgeley Park because he is ‘in love’ with the English game.
Pep Guardiola is taking in the action at Stockport as they play Port Vale 👀⚽️ pic.twitter.com/46T0DTHM6O
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 28, 2026
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “The day before, I saw the calendar and saw PSG and Bayern Munich and thought, ‘bah, what a disaster game.’ Managers are not good – Luis [Enrique] and Vini [Vincent Kompany].
“I’m in love with English football, and I decided to go to Stockport. Next season, when Bayern Munich play my old team, I will be in front of the sofa.”
The Champions League has not been kind to Guardiola recently
Unfortunately, the Champions League has not been a pleasant experience for Guardiola and his players in recent times.
Since their historic triumph in 2023, the Citizens have been knocked out by Real Madrid on three consecutive occasions.
Most recently, City exited the competition at the round of 16 stage, and the season before saw them dumped out in the play-off round.
Man City could still have a big celebration of their own
Guardiola might have expected to see Stockport County celebrate a victory which pushed them closer to a home play-off semi-final, with the club currently fourth in League One. However, Port Vale emerged victorious.
Although Man City are out of the Champions League, they could well be celebrating a treble success at the end of the season.
Still, Guardiola’s team must avoid suffering a similar fate to Stockport, by ensuring they keep on winning every match.
With Arsenal back on top in the Premier League table, each game from now until the conclusion of the campaign is essentially a cup final.
City could have a lot to celebrate this time next month, but that is entirely depending on what happens in their final six fixtures.
