Josep Guardiola spoke for the first time about the Super League on Tuesday afternoon. The Manchester City manager says his club is one of twelve so-called founding clubs, but at the same time questions the current structure of the new European competition. Guardiola, for example, wonders out loud why Ajax is not part of the Super League.
“I would love to travel the world as the committee’s president, to explain how we came to this decision,” Guardiola said at the press conference leading up to the away game against Aston Villa, which took place on Wednesday evening. program. “I was told a few hours before the statement was released that this was coming. There is a statement, but no one clearly states with details what exactly is going to happen. The chairmen can clearly indicate which direction football is heading. ”
“I support my club, but I have my own opinion. For now, I’ve only seen a statement that makes it a little uncomfortable for the managers. I can give my opinion, that’s all. I don’t know why these teams were selected. It’s not a sport when success is already guaranteed or it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, ”the Spanish manager of Manchester City continues. “I have already indicated several times that I want to have a successful Premier League, not one big club.”
“This plan is still an embryo, it is not yet breathing. It is purely a statement, that is the reality. We are going to play in the Champions League next week and try to reach the final. We are going to play in Europe because we deserve it ”, says Guardiola. “The players have to focus on Aston Villa. The Super League is a global issue, it needs to be clarified why certain teams have been invited. Where is Ajax, for example? They have won four or five Champions Leagues. ”
On Monday evening Ajax spoke out against the arrival of the Super League in a statement. “Ajax is completely disconcerted and disappointed by the announcement of a possible Super League”, Edwin van der Sar said on the club’s website. “We support the new set-up of UEFA, as confirmed on Monday. Through my work for the ECA I have been involved in discussions about a new format for UEFA tournaments for a number of years. Ajax has worked together with the ECV and the KNVB on a number of changes in the past, for example to make participation in the Champions League more accessible to the clubs . “
“UEFA has failed to make all the information clear. We had to fight to make five changes in the toughest season ever. Everyone is having a hard time this season. In the most important part of the season, we fight for the titles. Lewandowski could not play with Bayern against PSG, because he was injured during international obligations. UEFA decided that those international matches should be played, because it was their business is. Everyone thinks about their own interests, including UEFA, ”said Guardiola.