Pep Guardiola couldn't help but chuckle when asked about the unforgettable nine-goal thriller between PSG and Bayern Munich on Tuesday night. The Champions League semi-final first leg ended 5-4 in favor of Paris, instantly cementing its place among the competition's all-time classics. But while the football world had its eyes glued to the screen, Guardiola was nowhere near a TV—he was at Edgeley Park, watching Stockport County take on Port Vale.
In a lighthearted press conference ahead of Manchester City's trip to Everton, Guardiola admitted he chose the lower-league clash over the European blockbuster, jokingly calling the PSG-Bayern matchup a "disaster game." "The day before, I saw the calendar and saw PSG and Bayern Munich and thought, 'bah, what a disaster game.' Managers are not good, Luis [Enrique] and Vini [Vincent Kompany]," he said with a grin. "I'm in love with English football, and I decided to go to Stockport. Next season, when Bayern Munich play my old team, I will be in front of the sofa."
The result at Edgeley Park? A shock 2-1 win for Port Vale over The Hatters—a far cry from the goal-fest in Paris, but no less meaningful for the fans in attendance. Guardiola's comments come amid growing praise for the attacking flair shown by PSG and Bayern, with many lauding the "right way" to play the game. But the City boss was quick to remind everyone that football's beauty lies in its diversity.
"That's nice. It's what football is all about. You and I are not the same," Guardiola added, gesturing broadly. "Football is like this; everyone has their own style. It was a good game. Atletico Madrid versus Arsenal was another good game too. Of course, when you score nine goals in a semi-final, it's fantastic. Football has to be accepted in different ways."
For fans who love the game in all its forms—from tactical masterclasses to end-to-end thrillers—Guardiola's perspective is a refreshing reminder that whether you're watching a Champions League epic or a League Two upset, the sport always delivers. And for those looking to rep their favorite team's style, whether it's the flair of PSG or the grit of Stockport County, there's no better time to gear up in your club's colors.