Pep Guardiola said he feels a responsibility to use his public role to call for compassion, explaining that images of violence around the world cause him deep pain.
Pep Guardiola said he feels a responsibility to use his public role to call for compassion, explaining that images of violence around the world cause him deep pain.
The Manchester City coach returned to media duties ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, after missing interviews last Friday following comments he made at a charity event in Barcelona.
During his press conference, Guardiola spoke emotionally about civilians, particularly young people, being killed or wounded in wars and unrest across several regions, saying the scenes he watches affect him personally.
He named situations in Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan, as well as incidents linked to immigration enforcement in the United States, stressing that the loss of innocent lives is what troubles him most.
According to Guardiola, modern technology means suffering is visible in a way it was not before, making it harder to ignore what families and children are going through every day.
The Spaniard raised these themes without being prompted, after initially being asked about Phil Foden’s recent performances and refereeing decisions following City’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Guardiola declined to criticise match officials, stating that how his side performs is the team’s responsibility, while decisions are based on video evidence rather than opinion.
He then broadened the discussion, saying humanity has never had clearer access to information about conflicts, pointing again to violence in Gaza, Eastern Europe, Russia and Africa.
From his perspective, these crises should not be seen as distant political matters but as shared issues affecting people everywhere.
He added that he struggles to understand how anyone can watch such images and remain emotionally detached from the suffering shown.
Guardiola also commented on migration, following reports that 933 people crossed the Channel in small boats during January, according to Home Office figures.
He argued that individuals fleeing their homelands by sea should first be saved, rather than judged, insisting that protecting life must come before political arguments.
Discussion then turned to the United States, where two American citizens were shot dead by federal agents during immigration operations linked to President Donald Trump’s crackdown.
Supporters’ group Football Supporters Europe has voiced concern about increased use of force by police ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Guardiola said such events cause him distress and reinforce his belief that speaking out is necessary, even while acknowledging that no country or person is flawless.
He concluded by saying that striving for fairness and empathy is an ongoing task and that silence only allows injustice to continue.
