Jermaine Jenas spotted Pep Guardiola “shouting” at a Manchester City player during his side’s 1-0 victory against Chelsea.
Guardiola certainly cut a frustrated figure on Saturday.
After all, Manchester City and Chelsea were playing a high-stakes game as the FA Cup semi-final is a prestigious affair.
In addition, City were far from their brilliant best against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
On Saturday, the contest between both sides was quite similar to their pair of meetings in the Premier League this season.
Manchester City dominated possession and Chelsea found joy on the counter-attack during the FA Cup semi-final.
Jenas says Guardiola was “shouting” at one City player against Chelsea
Yet, fans and pundits alike would perhaps have been surprised by how the game was 0-0 until the 84 minute when Bernardo Silva scored the deciding goal.
However, before the goal, it seemed like Chelsea could pull off an upset.
The Blues were getting in behind Manchester City’s defence, as their high line was far from impregnable on the day.
Aside from Nicolas Jackson’s series of missed chances, even Cole Palmer failed to put his side 1-0 up in the first half after darting past Rodri and testing Stefan Ortega.
After City went 1-0 up, it seemed like their sights were set on simply seeing the game out.
But when the odd opening occurred, they tried to chase a second goal.
As Manchester City were leading against Chelsea, Jermaine Jenas pointed out how Phil Foden got an earful from Pep Guardiola.
“Pep Guardiola is shouting at Phil Foden to keep the ball. Foden is absolutely getting it from his manager”, he told BBC Sport.
Jermaine Jenas’ observation was spot on as Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden tried to create a chance for Julian Alvarez against Chelsea, as Pep Guardiola proceeded to go berserk on the touchline.
The Catalan was ranting and raving at the Sky Blues’ number 47.
Guardiola visibly instructed Foden to keep his head in the game, as his pass was struck with far too much power, making it impossible for Alvarez to control and the West London side regained possession.
Pep Guardiola was justified in being frustrated
Perhaps onlookers like Jermaine Jenas must have been confused seeing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola look as frustrated as he did at Phil Foden.
But then again, City’s lead was slim and all they needed to do was manage the game.
As a result, a risky approach in possession could have handed Chelsea the chance to stage a comeback and take the game into extra-time.
With Manchester City’s recent outing against Real Madrid also going into extra-time, Mauricio Pochettino’s team would have potentially had the upper hand, as they were fresher coming into the game.
In their 4-4 draw against Chelsea as well, City did not manage the game as professionally as expected and were punished by Cole Palmer in the dying embers of the game.
With that in mind, Guardiola was correct to call Foden out, even if his reaction came off as harsh.