Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola reacts to Liverpool fans chanting jeers during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 1, 2024. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
JUST IN: ‘Sacked in the Morning’ — Pep Guardiola Taunts Liverpool Fans with Six-Finger Gesture as Manchester City’s Implosion Continues
June 25, 2025 | Football News Desk | Hindustan Times
In a moment of tension, controversy, and apparent mockery, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was caught on camera holding up six fingers toward Liverpool fans while mouthing the chant “Sacked in the morning” — a common football taunt — during Sunday’s Premier League clash at Anfield. The incident comes amid a disastrous run of form for City, who have dropped to fifth in the league, prompting growing frustration and speculation about Guardiola’s future.
The Incident
The controversial moment occurred after Liverpool’s late goal sealed a dramatic 3-2 comeback win, extending City’s winless streak to four matches. As Guardiola walked back toward the dugout, a group of vocal Liverpool supporters jeered him. In response, Guardiola raised six fingers — a likely reference to City’s six Premier League titles under his leadership — and was visibly mouthing “sacked in the morning”, seemingly mocking their chants aimed at him.
The clip quickly went viral on social media, drawing millions of views and sparking heated debate among fans and pundits.
Mixed Reactions
While some City fans praised Guardiola’s show of defiance, others questioned the timing and tone, given the team’s poor form and increasing pressure on the squad.
“It’s Pep being Pep — passionate, fiery, and unafraid to hit back,” said former City striker Shaun Goater on Sky Sports. “But when results are going against you, gestures like that can backfire.”
Liverpool fans, meanwhile, saw the taunt as a sign of Guardiola’s growing frustration. Popular fan site Empire of the Kop posted:
“Six fingers? That’s all well and good, but the scoreboard says 3-2. Let him count those.”
Cracks at Manchester City?
Manchester City, once seen as near-invincible under Guardiola’s rule, now face their most turbulent spell in years. Injuries to key players, tactical inconsistencies, and rumors of dressing room unrest have left the reigning champions nine points off the top. Some reports suggest Guardiola has clashed with senior players and could be considering his exit at the end of the season.
Asked about the incident post-match, Guardiola responded coyly:
“Sometimes the fans speak, and sometimes you speak back. I have six reasons to remind them who we are. That’s all.”
FA Review Possible
The Football Association (FA) is reportedly reviewing footage to determine if Guardiola’s gesture constitutes unsporting behavior or provocation, though disciplinary action is considered unlikely unless further evidence surfaces.
What’s Next for Guardiola and City?
With Champions League qualification still hanging in the balance and performances dipping, pressure is mounting on Guardiola like never before. Despite his glittering legacy, some fans are beginning to question whether a new voice is needed in the dressing room.
Football journalist Miguel Delaney wrote:
“Guardiola may have built one of the most dominant sides in Premier League history, but football is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ business. And right now, City are falling short.”
Final Thoughts
Pep Guardiola’s six-finger taunt may have been a defiant reminder of past glory, but in the unforgiving world of modern football, history buys only limited time. With Manchester City’s season unraveling and rivals circling, the iconic manager must find answers—and fast.
