Pep Guardiola: I Don’t Receive Preferential Treatment From The Media

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has refuted claims that he is given preferential treatment from the Spanish media, joking that their attitude towards him may change if the team starts losing matches.

The tactician addressed the media today ahead of Saturday evening’s Primera Division fixture against Mallorca, and responded to recent remarks from Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho that he is ‘protected’ by the press.

He said: “He has more prestige than I, but I know that if the team stops winning, the coach will be criticised. I know you love me very much, and I appreciate it, but that is because we are winning.

“You treat me well because the team has won, that is the only reason. I’m no different to any coach in the world, or at least the majority of them. I have no complaints, I try to respect your work, and generally there have not been many conflicts, but we will see when we lose.”

Guardiola also discussed the predicament being suffered by Mallorca, who remain in administration with over €40 million of debt, and he hopes that a club as illustrious as theirs can prosper once again.

He remarked: “Ultimately, it reflects everything in the world. We can only hope they can fix it, because they are a classic Spanish football side, and I have affection for people there. I wish them well on the field.”