Pep Guardiola distrusts the VAR

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s reaction to the latest VAR drama was blunt and businesslike. He’s not interested in arguing about decisions he can’t control. After Arsenal’s late VAR-assisted win at West Ham widened the gap at the top of the Premier League, Guardiola insisted Manchester City must concentrate on their own standards and performances rather than refereeing controversies. The managers stance is clear: do better on the pitch and don’t hand control of your fate to others.

Guardiola’s words were sharp and familiar. He told reporters:

I have never trusted anything [with VAR] since I arrived a long time ago.

That line isn;t a rant, it’s Pep speaking from his own experiences. For Guardiola, VAR is an external variable, the only reliable lever is what his team does between the lines.

Pep repeatedly framed the issue as one of self-accountability: if City want to be in the title fight, they must put themselves in positions where marginal calls don’t decide outcomes.

Guardiola prepares for league finish

City’s immediate task is Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola refused to let the league table dictate his messaging; the focus is on the next game. Not Arsenal’s result or hypothetical permutations. He stressed routine and concentration. He has given his players a day off, reset, then prepare, the classic Guardiola reset button.

Pep knows better than the rest, with two games remaining,, panic helps nobody. His pragmatic approach is one where precision makes the difference.

Crystal Palace aren’t a walkover. Guardiola pointed to Palace’s professionalism and the competitive nature of late-season fixtures, even for teams with other priorities.

Palace have a UEFA Europa League Conference Final to consider, but Guardiola expects them to be tough and committed. He referenced recent examples of teams with “nothing to play for” still making life difficult for top sides, a reminder that complacency is the enemy.

Manchester City hope to welcome back Rodri after a groin problem and could see Abdukodir Khusanov return to the squad. Guardiola described both as “better” and fitness would be assessed in training.

Those returns matter massively for City: Rodri’s presence stabilises midfield control and reduces chances of sloppy moments that invite VAR scrutiny.

In a title race decided by fine margins, availability and sharpness are as decisive as refereeing decisions.

Demanding higher standards

Pep Guardiola’s message is simple and relentless, control the controllables. He’s not asking for conspiracy theories or institutional changes. He’s demanding higher standards from his players. This is nothing new from Pep as his methods have been very successful, he removes external pressure from his players, allowing them to flow on th epitch.

Whether that’s enough to catch Arsenal this season with only three games left, remains to be seen. What is for sure is the performance levels on the pitch cannot drop regardless of the decisions elsewhere.

Pep’s overall verdict on VAR is sceptical and settled. Many would argue that Manchester City are one the highest benefiting team of VAR decisions, regardless of Pep’s current view.

But, Pep’s message to his players is clear, focus on the next game, sharpen the basics, make sure the referee and VAR do not matter. If they can maintain that focus, they still have a strong chance of finishing with a domestic treble.

Featured image via Sky Sports