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Man City news: Pep Guardiola threatens to PUNCH journalist in Jose Mourinho joke
PEP GUARDIOLA jokingly threatened to punch a French journalist after he was asked a question about Jose Mourinho.
Pep Guardiola clenches his fist when asked Mourinho question
Guardiola was speaking to reporters ahead of his Manchester City side’s Champions League clash against Lyon knowing a draw will be enough to secure a place in the last 16.
And he was asked if he would consider deploying Mourinho-style defensive tactics before being quizzed on who was the better manager.
Guardiola let out a sigh and raised a clenched fist aimed at the reporter before replying: “I am not the guy to answer that”.
Despite the obvious temptation to shut up shop against Lyon, Guardiola insists he will stick to his guns and take the game to the French side at the Groupama Stadium.
However, he also says he is ready to adapt during the game if necessary.
City’s only defeat in any competition this season came at the hands of Lyon - a 2-1 loss at the Etihad back in September.
And the boss is well aware of the threat they carry.
"Nobody has a guaranteed way of playing to win the Champions League,” he added.
"Nobody can assure me playing a defensive way will win. Not even the way we play will win the Champions League.
"All we can do, is play the way we want to play, and that is all i can assure you.
"Of course you have to adapt, you have to adjust. Every game we do that, it depends on the quality of the players.
"So when you talk about offensive or defensive, we have to talk about which players they have at Olympique Lyon."
Bernardo Silva will miss the clash and Guardiola has hinted youngster Phil Foden could step in to fill the void.
The 18-year-old midfielder’s only starts this season have come in the League Cup but the City boss insists he will be ready if called upon.
“Definitely, he is ready,” Guardiola said.
“When Phil appeared in the last pre-season game [against Bayern Munich in Miami], I was incredibly impressed.
“I think he’s stronger and more conscious that he’s able to play with us.
“He played 20 minutes in the last game and was so aggressive with the ball and intense without it.
“I have the feeling that, every time he played, he played good.
“In pre-season or during the season, a few minutes or 90 minutes, he always plays good. He’s definitely ready.”