Pep Guardiola gives comical reason for choosing League One clash over PSG vs Bayern
While most football fans were glued to the PSG vs. Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League semifinal first-leg clash on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Pep Guardiola was not among the eager fans watching as the two European giants went toe-to-toe in Paris.
Instead, the Spaniard opted to attend a match at Edgeley Park in Greater Manchester to watch Stockport County take on Port Vale, a decision that left many baffled by his timing.
You might also like
The soccer-obsessed boss missed a legitimate thriller, as PSG defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in a spectacular display at the Parc des Princes.
Disaster game
However, despite the buzz surrounding the Champions League clash, Guardiola joked that when he saw PSG vs. Bayern on the schedule, he dismissed it as a “disaster game” led by “bad managers.” he told the club’s portal.
He explained that he had checked the schedule beforehand and chose the League One fixture over the UCL tie.
“I looked at the calendar the day before and saw PSG vs. Bayern… what a disaster, a disaster of a game. Rubbish managers: Luis [Enrique] and Vinny [Kompany], and terrible players,” he joked. “So I decided to go elsewhere. I am in love with English football, and I went to watch Stockport County FC.”
The topic of Pep’s decision to skip the live broadcast came up during his press conference on Friday, May 1, 2026, where he clarified his thoughts.
Guardiola revealed that he watched the PSG v. Bayern game on catch-up at home but admitted he missed the competition’s buzz when his team was not involved.
“I watched the game right after I got home. In the moment, with teams playing Tuesday and Wednesday, I say I would like to be there in the Champions League,” he said.
“But in life you can never enjoy everything,” he stated.
Football is good
“Football is different everywhere, and it is all nice. It was a good game. The day after, Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal was a different style, but it was a good game too. Football is beautiful,” he remarked.
Guardiola nonetheless admitted he would likely be tuned in for the return leg. “When they play the second leg at the Allianz Arena, I will be right there in front of the sofa,” he added.
