Pep Guardiola has moved swiftly to distance Manchester City from any suggestion that match officials are deliberately working against the club, insisting recent setbacks are the responsibility of his own team.
The City manager was speaking after midfielder Rodri attacked referees following the dramatic draw with Tottenham Hotspur, a result that left the Cityzens trailing further behind in the Premier League title race.
City appeared to be in control against Spurs before surrendering a two–goal advantage in a match overshadowed by debate over the visitors’ opening goal.
Television replays showed Dominic Solanke making contact with defender Marc Guehi in the build-up, an incident many at the Etihad felt should have resulted in a free-kick.
Instead, play continued and the ball ended up in the City net, sparking frustration among players and supporters.
The City midfielder was particularly outspoken in the aftermath. Speaking to Australian broadcaster Stan Sport, Rodri attacked referees and suggested City’s years of dominance may have influenced the way decisions are perceived.
He said: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. For me, honestly, it’s not fair.”
Those remarks quickly drew attention, placing Guardiola in the position of having to address the issue ahead of his side’s next fixture.
The Catalan coach was careful not to criticise his midfielder directly, yet he made clear he does not subscribe to the idea of any organised agenda.
According to Hayters, Guardiola told reporters: “The situation we have belongs to us, being six points behind Arsenal, belongs to us, absolutely just to us.
“The images are there. I have an opinion and the other people have another opinion.”
The City manager accepted that emotions were running high after another costly result, but reiterated that responsibility for their current position lies within the dressing room.
He acknowledged that individual incidents can influence matches, yet warned against using them as excuses for a broader dip in form.
City boss points to previous incidents but keeps focus on team
While rejecting the notion of bias, Guardiola did not hide his dissatisfaction with the specific decision that allowed Tottenham back into the contest.
He offered his own interpretation of the moment involving Solanke and Guehi, insisting the challenge should have been penalised.
He explained: “So, Marc has the ball under control, he’s being kicked from behind, and Marc makes an own goal.
“So, Solanke didn’t score. Marc scored.
“If the people believe this goal is allowed, it’s fine. It’s fine. I will not agree. But nothing changes.”
Guardiola stressed that disagreement with a single call should not be confused with accusations of wrongdoing.
Pressed directly on whether he believed referees were conspiring against City, he responded firmly.
“But like I said before, I’m not suspicious of that.
“No, absolutely not,” he said. “I know you have to fight against all the circumstances that are bad.
“Of course, there are not meetings of the referees planning where they are going to punish Man City. I never said that.”
The 54-year-old added that his priority remains improving performances on the pitch rather than engaging in debates about officiating.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that the Spurs match was not the first time City had felt aggrieved this season, referencing the recent derby defeat at Old Trafford.
“I’m focused on what we have to do. But when the images are here, I’m sorry, it’s not once. It’s not once.
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“Because we lost against Old Trafford, against United. But tell me playing Man United, Man City, 80 minutes, 10 against 11 for the action from Dalot. Change or no change? Would change, no?
“And I said in the press conference, playing the same way, not even with 11 vs 10, we win that game. Remember that?”
His comments underline a delicate balance between defending his players and avoiding confrontation with the authorities.
Guardiola has long maintained a respectful relationship with referees and appeared keen not to damage that reputation.
“Okay. I’m so nice, come on, with the referees. But they don’t believe me,” he added with a wry smile.
City’s recent run has opened the door for Arsenal and others to pull clear, a scenario few predicted earlier in the campaign.
Guardiola acknowledged the Sky Blues must rediscover their consistency quickly if they are to remain in contention for the Premier League title.
