Star trainer causes a stir
Instead of PSG against Bayern: Guardiola in a third division game
May 1, 2026 – 9:44 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Manchester City’s successful coach makes an unusual decision. Now he has commented on it – and is also jokingly dishing it out against Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.
Nine goals, breathtaking offensive football, a thrilling back and forth, fantastic hits, two penalties – FC Bayern’s 4:5 defeat in the semi-final first leg of the Champions League at Paris Saint-Germain last Tuesday thrilled the football world.
But one person apparently had better things to do that evening: star coach Pep Guardiola. Because the Manchester City coach instead attended a third division game in England that day and sat live at Stockport County’s game against FC Port Vale at Edgeley Park in League One.
Before his team’s game at Everton FC, the Spaniard was asked about his decision to watch a game in the third English league instead of the cracker in the premier class.
Guardiola responded at the press conference with humor: “I saw the game plan, the game between PSG and Bayern Munich, and I said: ‘Oh, what a disaster game!’ said the 55-year-old with a wink. And added: “The coaches are not good, Luis (PSG coach Luis Enrique, editor’s note) and Vinny (Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, editor’s note).” And further: ‘Also really, really shitty, shitty players!’ So I decided to go. I love English football and went to Stockport.”
The encounter actually had sporting significance for the hosts: As fourth in the table, Stockport is still fighting for promotion to the Championship. But against Port Vale, who had already been relegated, there was a setback in front of Guardiola’s eyes. Stockport lost 2-1.
