Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has sparked controversy by claiming Liverpool is “probably not the best part of the UK” following his side’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.
The German shot-stopper made the contentious remarks whilst defending manager Pep Guardiola, who had responded to Liverpool fans’ “sacked in the morning” chants by holding up six fingers – representing his Premier League title haul with City.
The defeat at Anfield extended City’s winless run to seven games, leaving the champions 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah secured victory for Arne Slot’s side, with Ortega conceding a penalty after bringing down Luis Diaz.
Stefan Ortega said Liverpool is not a nice place in the United Kingdom
Reuters
The match was marked by Liverpool fans taunting Guardiola with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning”, prompting the City manager to respond by holding up six fingers – a gesture referencing his Premier League titles.
When asked if Guardiola’s gesture would motivate City players to “prove people wrong”, Ortega told talkSPORT: “Probably.
“Someone told me before that this area is probably not the best part in the UK. I think the manager reacted really well.”
The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who started in place of regular number one Ederson, added: “Everyone is disappointed, and everyone is trying to find a solution.
“I’m pretty sure he [Guardiola] will find a solution, and everybody will follow him.”
Fans on social media quickly condemned Ortega’s remarks about Liverpool, with one supporter calling it “a terrible look for both Ortega and City” and “a very silly response.”
“What a lowlife Ortega is,” wrote another fan, explaining that “Liverpool’s chant is just a bit of scouse humour, everyone knows Guardiola isn’t getting sacked.”
Others expressed disbelief at the goalkeeper’s comments, with one asking “Who does this guy think he is?”
Pep Guardiola hit back at Liverpool fans chanting ‘getting sacked in the morning’
Reuters
Another noted: “Their heads are all absolutely gone.”
Speaking after the match, Guardiola expressed surprise at the Anfield crowd’s reaction, saying: “I didn’t expect Anfield to start chanting at 0-2 that I would be sacked.
“Maybe I deserved to be sacked with our results.
Liverpool swatted City aside in a 2-0 victory
Reuters
“Maybe I’m still in the job because I won six Premier Leagues and a lot of titles.
The City manager questioned the timing of the chants, noting: “Why didn’t they do it at 0-1?
“Why didn’t they do it last season when we won the Premier League?”