By Noel Whelan

23rd Jan, 2023 | 5:00am

Pundit hits back at Pep Guardiola after new Man City rant

Noel Whelan has claimed the Man City fans should be allowed to “vent their frustration” after Pep Guardiola criticised their support following the 4-2 win over Tottenham on Thursday (19 January).

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted fan backlash may give City stars a “kick up the backside” with Guardiola’s side “not firing” at present.

Man City were booed off the pitch by sections of their home support as they went into half-time 2-0 down against Tottenham – with the fans criticised by pundits and commentators.

The Premier League champions roared back in the second half with goals from Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez, and Erling Haaland securing a 4-2 victory.

Speaking post-match (as per Sky’s Football Daily Twitter account), Guardiola suggested the home supporters were “silent for 45 minutes” and insisted he “wants his fans back” – in a rallying call to the Etihad Stadium faithful.

He claimed his side are lacking the “fire” and “passion” needed to compete with a hungry Arsenal side for the Premier League title this season.

Man City trail the Gunners by five points in the title race – with Mikel Arteta’s side having played a game less.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Fans pay the money, and they can vent their frustration.”

“At the end of the day, they’re going into half-time 2-0 down for the second time in a week.

“The fans have got every right to vent their frustration and show their passion.

“From what I have seen, the team have had plenty of claps and cheers over the years, but they’re not firing right now.

“It’s not what you expect from Man City, and maybe they needed that kick up the backside.

“He’s got to allow the fans to show their feelings in whatever way they want.”

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