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His footballer is accused of 8 offenses, Guardiola's testimony in the trial is revealed

2022-11-15 10:58:40Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

His footballer is accused of 8 offenses, Guardiola's testimony in the trial

When the jury entered Chester Crown Court and took their seats on Monday afternoon, one of the first faces to be noticed was that of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Guardiola, appearing via video link from outside, was patiently waiting to make a personal statement on the case of Benjamin Mendy, his player suspended since allegations of hazing against the Frenchman.

It was the first time a current employee of City, the club for whom Mendy has played 50 times, has given evidence in a trial that has now lasted nearly three months. Many members of the club's first-team staff did not know Guardiola would give evidence and City declined to comment on whether they were aware their manager would appear in court on Monday.

Mendy has not played for City since August 2021. He was found not guilty of one charge of affray the following month and denies seven other similar charges. Guardiola, dressed in a simple gray T-shirt, told the court that the 28-year-old Frenchman is a "really good guy and very generous".

When asked why he had decided to give evidence, Guardiola said it was because "Mendy asked me to". The Spanish coach then went on to say that he "had no idea" what Mendy did when he wasn't playing football because he "isn't his father". Guardiola also said it would be "difficult to find anyone in the dressing room who would speak ill of Mendy".

His testimony lasted about 10 minutes and was not questioned by the prosecution. Eleanor Laws KC, Mendy's main defender asked Guardiola a series of questions, ranging from why City signed the player in the summer of 2017 to the number of injuries Mendy has suffered since joining the English club for £52m from Monaco .

Before giving his testimony, the "Citizens" coach was asked to swear that he would tell the truth. He was asked to repeat the oath after mishearing one of the lines and saying it incorrectly.

After confirming his role as City manager and outlining how long he has been at the club, the 51-year-old was asked to outline why he signed Mendy. Monaco had knocked City out of the Champions League when Guardiola spotted the left-back: "We were really impressed as a club, he had the potential to play with Manchester City."

Guardiola was then invited to describe Mendy's personality and character: “He's a really good guy. I think he is a generous guy and he adapted very quickly to the team. I would say he was happy when he could help other players.

I remember, when we asked him for something for his friend or for the club, he was always able to do it. Also, he is a smiling guy. He was the happiest player, I would say more than anywhere else, in the training sessions."

Guardiola was then asked when Mendy broke the rules of the COVID-19 lockdown at the start of 2021. He said he could not remember who told him it had happened, but explained he was "not happy" and spoke to the player for this. "He admitted that he didn't do the right thing," added Guardiola.

When pressed by Ms Laws KC whether he knew Mendy enjoyed the night life, Guardiola referred to his entire squad rather than singling out the defender: "I can see the players when we are together in training sessions, in their private life, I don't know what they do. I'm not active on social media, so I don't follow my players virtually.

I don't know what they are doing outside my control of training sessions and games. We are 22 players, I can't control them off the field. Yes, if they are not ready to exercise, I would spot them right away. That's what I care about and pay attention to."


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