Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took aim at Sky Sports by suggesting that the broadcaster misrepresent his words.
The Catalan’s displeasure with the Premier League’s largest TV partner has been a long running theme throughout a decade in charge but has become more pronounced in recent weeks.
Sky were banned from asking questions at one media briefing in December, a decision thought to have been taken by Guardiola after viewing footage on their rolling news channel.
When responding to a question on City’s ongoing move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, the 54-year-old sarcastically made a point about the TV behemoth during a press conference beamed live.
‘You are from Sky, right? OK, good,’ Guardiola said. ‘I have to be careful what I say. After that, it is completely the opposite (of) what you write and put on the screen.
‘That is why I said yesterday before and the day of the game – the transfer window is completely closed right now.’
City are looking to finalise a £65million deal for Semenyo in the coming days, with Oscar Bobb in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over a loan and potential £30m permanent switch.
Guardiola takes City to Sunderland on New Year’s Day, with the Black Cats unbeaten at the Stadium of Light all season since promotion from the Championship.
The possibility of Rodri featuring has been talked up, the Spaniard on the comeback trail after playing just one minute of football since the start of October.
Pressed on the title race, Guardiola added: ‘A few weeks ago it was just Arsenal, two days ago it was three (with City and Aston Villa) and now two so we will see.
‘Sunderland are so tough. I remember in my first season when I went there the crowd was unbelievable. They have beaten Newcastle, plus Arsenal and Aston Villa could not win there. It will be really difficult but at the same time we are ready.’
