“Calls have been made”: Fans react as Pep Guardiola enjoys Man City vs Liverpool from stands with his daughter in FA Cup Clash

Manchester City vs Liverpool once again grabbed attention as two modern giants met in the FA Cup sixth round. The rivalry, built over years under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, is slowly changing. Several key faces are nearing exits. Mohamed Salah has already confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. This match could be his final appearance in this iconic fixture. His final appearance has added emotional weight to an already high-stakes FA Cup clash.

The match also had a different feel due to Pep Guardiola’s absence from the touchline. The City manager was serving a suspension and had to watch from the stands at the Etihad Stadium. Despite his absence from the dugout, Guardiola remained involved from a distance. Fans noticed him enjoying the game alongside his daughter, while his team battled Liverpool in a crucial FA Cup encounter as per the ongoing FA Cup schedule.

Why did Pep Guardiola miss the Man City vs Liverpool clash?

Pep Guardiola was not present on the sidelines for the Man City vs Liverpool game due to a suspension. The Spanish manager was serving the second match of a two-game ban after accumulating yellow cards. He had already missed City’s previous league match against West Ham, which ended in a goalless draw.


Interestingly, Guardiola was allowed to return to the touchline during the Carabao Cup final, where City defeated Arsenal 2-0. This was because FA rules state that such suspensions do not apply to major cup finals. However, the FA Cup clash did not fall under that exemption, forcing Guardiola back into the stands once again.

In his absence, Pep Lijnders took charge of the technical area. The former Liverpool assistant, who worked closely with Jurgen Klopp for nearly a decade, recently joined Manchester City’s coaching setup. Guardiola had reportedly wanted to refresh his backroom staff and saw Lijnders as a valuable addition due to his deep understanding of the Premier League and tactical knowledge.

Fans didn't hold back as Guardiola’s reactions from the stands went viral. One user wrote, “Pep Guardiola watching that penalty moment and his face said EVERYTHING. Even with his daughter next to him, there was no hiding that reaction”. Another wrote, “Pep Guardiola has started calling Pepijn Lijnders”.

One user hilariously wrote, “He is telling his daughter, I’m going to the dressing room”. One fan wrote, “Pep Guardiola has gone so crazy and can’t believe the referee didn’t award Manchester City a penalty for that clear foul on Cherki”. Another fan wrote, “Pep Guardiola is going BONKERS in the stands”.

Meanwhile, the match also carried emotional significance for Liverpool fans. With Mohamed Salah preparing to leave at the end of the season, this FA Cup clash could mark one of his final appearances against Manchester City.




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