Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has urged the club’s fans to ‘be happy’ and not boo the Champions League anthem ahead of the final against Inter Milan on Saturday.
On Saturday night in Istanbul, Turkey, Man City plays Inter in what may be a historic night for the Citizens.
After winning the Premier League and FA Cup, respectively, Guardiola’s team will have achieved a remarkable trifecta if they defeat Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
The atmosphere created by both sets of fans at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Turkey will undoubtedly be electric. But the evening may get off to a gloomy start because Man City supporters are rumoured to jeer the Champions League anthem in opposition to UEFA.
Man City has done this for a number of years for a variety of reasons. However, earlier this week, captain Ilkay Gundogan urged supporters that the team needs to hear a more upbeat sound before kickoff. Particularly given the successful effect it had on the FA Cup final.
Speaking to reporters in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola said:
“I agree with Ilkay, it is a day to celebrate. “Inter fans, City fans, a day to be happy. Celebrate being here. Finish, what happens in the past is the past. “It’s an incredible competition, UEFA organizes it, we support unconditionally what they’re doing. We aren’t going to boo again and have fun.”
cc: Goal
