You wouldn’t have thought that Steven Gerrard would be on the radar of Man City boss Pep Guardiola but here we are, in a sign of the times in the east of Manchester.
Under the cosh from questions of alleged financial irregularities, the Barcelona legend was too quick to offer an intended witty or sarcastic retort, when he said last week, “I don’t know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping.”
Yes, that infamous incident an Anfield in 2014 when the title winning Rangers manager’s misfortune allowed Demba Ba a free run of the pitch to score for Chelsea in what was a major turning point in Manuel Pellegrini’s Man City’s title success that season.
Prior to the Premier League summit encounter with Arsenal tonight, Guardiola stated:
“I apologise to Steven Gerrard for my unnecessary and stupid comments I said the last time about him. He knows how I admire him and his career and what he has done for this country I am living and training in.”
“I am ashamed of myself for what I said because he doesn’t deserve it. I truly believe my comments about defending my club but I didn’t represent my club well putting his name in these stupid comments.”
🗣️"Unnecessary and stupid comments. I am ashamed of myself. "
Pep Guardiola apologises to Steven Gerrard 👀 pic.twitter.com/4u1SuOQ4S4
— The Rangers Review (@RangersReview55) February 14, 2023
Gerrard will likely take it in his stride, especially after a private call from Guardiola. The Barcelona legend is a man under pressure and intense scrutiny, more than usual, just now.
The former Ibrox boss knows all about the trials and tribulations in the public eye at the top level of football and regarding the ‘slip’ context, he’s heard it all before as much as it is still something that remains within his psyche.
Gerrard was able to experience the highest of highs in different football situations, most notably his Istanbul glory in 2005 but that fateful moment nine years later which meant the Premier League title would ultimately elude him, was most definitely his lowest low in the game.