Pep Guardiola Confronts Journalist After Question on Manchester United's Tactics

Pep Guardiola appeared uncharacteristically irked after watching his Bayern Munich side draw 1-1 with Manchester United, telling a journalist to "look at me when I talk to you" in a sudden change of character during the post-match press conference.

As reported by Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, Guardiola's attitude turned sour after he was asked to explain his previous suggestion that United played too defensively in front of the Old Trafford crowd:

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The Spaniard's insinuation was that United had been unduly negative in front of their own supporters; when asked to elaborate he became confrontational.

'I didn't say that... I didn't say that! I respect my colleague (David Moyes). My colleague can play...' but just as the Bayern boss elaborated, demanded to a journalist: 'Look at me when I talk to you. Look at me when I talk to you! I'm trying to explain,' before shaking his head.

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The Daily Mail's video can be seen below, via YouTube user Shazzy Mazzy:

Despite the draw favouring Bayern—meaning United must net at the Allianz Arena if they are to progress—Guardiola endured a frustrating night. The English side defended doggedly, often throwing bodies in front of Bayern's long-range efforts and clogging the edge of the box with numbers.

United took the lead through Nemanja Vidic's terrific header from Wayne Rooney's corner just before the hour, but Bastian Schweinsteiger's equalising away goal puts the European champions firmly in control. Guardiola's frustration may have stemmed from what happened next, as Schweinsteiger's second yellow card ensured he is out of the second leg.

Rooney was accused of diving when Schweinsteiger's lunge came in, but there's little doubt the challenge still needed to be punished, highlighted by former Premier League referee Graham Poll in his Daily Mail column:

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Bastian Schweinsteiger can have few complaints about his sending off. His first booking was a clear yellow card when Danny Welbeck was held back, and the second offence also warranted a caution as he felled Wayne Rooney.

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Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Antonio Valencia was fortunate not to receive his marching orders prior to Schweinsteiger's dismissal after appearing to jump into a tackle with Jerome Boateng. Having already been booked, it seemed the United winger would walk down the tunnel before 90 minutes were up, noted by Oliver Holt of the Daily Mirror:

Guardiola's post-match confrontation is an unneeded moment at the end of a long night for the Bayern boss. The 43-year-old is likely to regret the incident upon reflection, but he will ultimately be pleased his team managed to take an away goal back to the Allianz Arena.

Pep and his players have an opportunity to put the result right during next Wednesday's return leg. Should the German champions achieve as much, it's likely Guardiola's demeanour will be much improved next time out. 

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