Pep Guardiola will not apologise for urging more supporters to attend Manchester City's clash with Southampton tomorrow.
The City boss said in midweek that he would like a bigger crowd than the 38,062 that attended Wednesday's Champions League game against RB Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium.
“I would like more people to come to the next game on Saturday,” Guardiola told BT Sport after the 6-3 victory .
“We will need the people next Saturday, please, because we will be tired. I invite all our people to come next Saturday, 3pm, and watch the game.”
Kevin Parker, the general secretary of City’s official supporters’ club, believed Guardiola has unnecessarily inflamed the situation by questioning the loyalty of the fans.
“He’s absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that,” said Parker.
But Guardiola told a press conference today: "Did I say after the game against Leipzig that I was disappointed that the stadium was not full? An interpretation is an interpretation.
"I am not going to apologise for what I said. What I said was we would love, and we need, the support.
"It doesn't matter how many people come but I invite them to come and enjoy the game because we need the support."
Guardiola says he would never criticise supporters for being unable to attend matches.
He said: "I am entirely grateful for the support that we had against Leipzig. I never have the words to ask why people don't come. If you can't come then don't come.
"If you want to come it's a pleasure, if you don't then don't."
