‘Sit here and do it!’ – Pep Guardiola explains bizarre exchange with Man City fan during Newcastle win

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had an unusual exchange with a fan as his side closed out a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

City were impressive on the night but failed to add to their lead, with Newcastle managing to stay in the game as the game drew to its conclusion.

Guardiola chose not to make any substitutes, something that appeared to agitate some City supporters with TV cameras catching the manager appearing to tell one fan he was welcome to come and take his place on the bench.

He revealed afterwards it was because of his decision not to make any substitutions, the first time he has failed to make a single change in a Premier League game since May 2022.

“He asked me to make the substitutions, one player out and one in, and I asked him which one, I didn’t know it,” said Guardiola.

“I said ‘come here and do it.’ I saw that the team in that moment was still alive and sometimes to come in, the rhythm is difficult.

“I saw the team were still there and fighting for every ball. The managers, we have that option to make the substitutions but the managers decide or not.”

Guardiola seemed relieved to come away with a victory after a week where City travelled across Europe to win the UEFA Super Cup in the intense Athens heat.

City have a welcome free midweek before facing a trip across the Pennines to face promoted Sheffield United next Sunday.