Guardiola Adjusts Press Conference Time to Sidestep Premier League Fine

Pep Guardiola has adjusted the timing of his press conference to avoid a potential fine from the Premier League. The Manchester City manager made this change after facing penalties for late starts in previous seasons. His recent press conferences had been scheduled for 14:00 on Fridays, which is 30 minutes past the league’s mandated cut-off time of 13:30 for all clubs ahead of weekend matches.

The Premier League requires all 20 clubs to begin their media availability on time, regardless of their fixture schedule. Manchester City had received prior permission to push back press conference times for games against Bournemouth and Liverpool. However, with training set for midday on Friday, Guardiola was keen to maintain his 14:00 slot. After being warned about the consequences, he opted for a 09:00 start instead, arriving at the media auditorium at the City Football Academy with just three minutes to spare.

In front of the press, Guardiola maintained a light-hearted demeanor, attributing his early start to the strict regulations imposed by the Premier League. “We are training later, and if we train at 12 until 13:30, I cannot be here in time,” he explained. “The Premier League don’t allow me at 14:00. The club said if I don’t start by 14:00 they will fine me or fine the club.”

Manchester City is acutely aware of the financial implications of failing to comply with the league’s timing rules. They have faced significant fines in recent seasons, including a total of £3.17 million for late arrivals at the start of matches and after half-time. In the 2023/24 season alone, City was fined just over £2 million for delaying kick-offs on 22 occasions throughout their 38 matches. Last season, they were penalized with a fine of slightly over £1 million for similar infractions, primarily related to their late return from half-time.

Guardiola humorously referenced the 2023 Champions League final, noting that a pre-game performance by musical artists Burna Boy and Anitta delayed the match, yet they did not face any financial repercussions. “We paid a lot of money as I’m late at half-time,” he joked. “Sometimes I arrive one minute later, but the rules are the rules, and the Premier League is impeccable for that, right? When we played in the Champions League final, they had a show before the game and they are always late. They have to fine the singers!”

The early start to the press conference allowed Guardiola to engage with journalists in a relaxed atmosphere. He noted that the early timing also ensured that reporters could enjoy their breakfast and have time for coffee, making the experience more pleasant for everyone involved.

This latest scheduling decision highlights the intricate relationship between managerial strategies, league regulations, and the ever-present scrutiny of the media in professional football. Guardiola’s proactive approach illustrates how seriously Manchester City takes compliance with league rules, especially given their history with fines.