Pep Guardiola's causes discussion with reaction during Man City's loss to Barca: video

• Manchester City faced off with FC Barcelona in a pre-season friendly in the United States of America
• The Premier League outfit fell to a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat against the Spanish La Liga powerhouse
• Man City's Pep Guardiola's reaction during a moment in the fixture has caused discussion across social media

Manchester City locked horns with Barcelona in their pre-season friendly fixture in the United States of America.

The fixture, which was the first under new Barcelona manager Hans-Dieter Flick, ended in a draw.

However, some penalty heroics from Barcelona reserve shot-stopper, Ander Astralaga, meant the German tactician would kick off his reign with a victory.

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, looks on during the pre-season match against FC Barcelona at Camping World Stadium on July 30, 2024, in Orlando. Image: Rich Storry.
Source: Getty Images

Nonetheless, amid the scrutiny that Barcelona's showing on the night has received, it was the gesture of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola that has stolen attention.

As captured in footage shared on social media by Centre Goal, the 52-year-old was spotted reacting angrily after defender, Josko Gvardiol, conceded a free kick in the first half against Pablo Torre.

Guardiola was seen hitting the bench in frustration, displaying a level of anger that seemed out of proportion for a friendly match. Many observers have since commented on Guardiola's reaction, noting that his response suggested he may have forgotten it was only a pre-season game.

Fans' reaction to Guardiola's antics

@Mogulformogul commented on the Spanish manager’s reaction, saying:

“Winners don’t know when it is a friendly.”

@Yemmie_ added:

“Pep takes his job seriously, whether it’s a friendly or not.”

@galacticosMU noted:

“He’s always stressed, even if it’s just a tennis match.”

@ManUtdHorrorDay, seemingly trolling, quipped:

“Cry merchant he is 😂.”

@chauhan_pritty, an Arsenal fan, chimed in:

“That’s why I keep saying we actually beat them in the Community Shield! Pep is relentless.”

According to data from Fotmob, Guardiola and his Manchester City side will wrap up their pre-season tour with a match against Premier League rivals, Chelsea, before kicking off the new season with a Community Shield clash against city neighbours, Manchester United.

Guardiola names player who deserves Ballon d'Or

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Guardiola is rooting for Manchester City star Rodri to win this year’s Ballon d'Or following an exceptional season of the Spanish midfielder.

The 28-year-old was instrumental in City's fourth consecutive Premier League title and continued his impressive form by helping Spain win Euro 2024.

Source: TUKO.co.ke