Ortega ‘will regret Liverpool’s stupid claim after Man City hierarchy’s response’

Monday December 2, 2024 7:30 p.m., United Kingdom

Stefan Ortega will be questioned by Man City’s hierarchy over his ‘stupid’ comments about Liverpool, Alan Pardew expects.

The German goalkeeper responded to chants of dismissal directed at manager Pep Guardiola from the Anfield crowd during his side’s 2-0 defeat on December 1 by calling Liverpool “probably not the best side in the UK”, while saying that the Catalan had reacted “really well”.

Pardew doesn’t think as much of the City man’s response to the situation, calling the comments “stupid” and asking him to regret them “very soon” when his bosses contact him.

The former Crystal Palace manager told talkSPORT: “He shouldn’t have said that. Absolutely not. It’s frustration, anger, pressure. Then say something stupid like that. He will regret it and he will regret it very soon because he will receive a few texts and a few messages, I am sure, on his mobile phone from the hierarchy of his football club.

Pardew added that although Ortega made a stupid mistake, it was a result of the immense pressure players and managers face in the Premier League. “We can’t sue him for this. It’s a stupid mistake to say that. It just shows how much pressure is put on you as a Premier League player and manager. Pep comes out doing signal six and it’s all part of the process, it takes you out of this game. It sometimes brings out the best in you and it can also bring out the worst in you.

Stefan Ortega joins Pep Guardiola’s defense after Man City defeat

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Ortega conceded two goals as his side lost 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday night, despite Roy Keane impressing after his surprise inclusion against Ederson. This leaves them 11 points behind the Premier League leaders Reds.

The Citizens’ defensive woes in recent weeks have been astonishing, particularly for a Guardiola side built on such a solid system. In their last four games, they have conceded 15 goals, an alarming statistic for the reigning champions. City squandered a three-goal lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League, highlighting their growing problems.

Pep Guardiola watched his Man City side slump to another defeat at Liverpool (Credit: Imago)

This dreadful form led to a seven-match winless streak, the longest run without a win in the Catalans’ entire managerial career.

A major factor in City’s crisis has been the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, whose injury has left a huge void in midfield. Neither Ilkay Gundogan nor Mateo Kovačić have managed to replicate the 28-year-old’s influence, and the latter is now also injured.

Their struggles deepened further when Guardiola made the shock decision to drop goalkeeper Ederson to the bench for their match against Liverpool and start Ortega. With the Blues’ defensive problems now clearly visible, pressure is mounting on Guardiola to quickly rectify the situation.

Elsewhere, fans called for Kyle Walker to retire after his performance against Liverpool.

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