Pep Guardiola comments on VAR controversy in Liverpool's defeat at Tottenham Hotspur

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 06 October 2023

Guardiola comments on VAR controversy in Liverpool's defeat at Spurs

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes that Liverpool must "accept" the "human error" made by VAR from their defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, but hopes the use of the technology will improve in the future.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes that Liverpool must "accept" the "human error" made by VAR from their defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but hopes the use of the technology will improve in the future.

Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz was wrongly disallowed a first-half goal in last Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Spurs, with replays showing that Cristian Romero was playing Diaz onside.

The PGMOL have since admitted that a "significant human error" was made by the VAR officials Darren England and assistant Dan Cook, who have been stood down for the latest round of Premier League fixtures.

Liverpool were also reduced to nine men when Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were dismissed either side of half time - with the former handed a three-match ban after Liverpool's appeal was rejected - before Joel Matip scored a 96th-minute own goal to hand Spurs all three points.

Jurgen Klopp called for the fixture to be replayed during a press conference on Wednesday and has since stated on Friday that his Liverpool side are "over" their heartbreaking loss in North London.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured on September 23, 2023 © Reuters

Commenting on the VAR debate, Man City boss Guardiola believes that the technology "cannot fail" but has acknowledged that "human error will happen" and must be accepted.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guardiola said: "I said before the game in the Champions League (City's 3-1 win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday), it's done. It's a mistake, accept it.

"It's always difficult when there is human mistakes. But the machines have to avoid it. At the end of the shift it's down to a human being. It happened and hopefully it will finish here and improve from that.

"The reason for VAR was implemented was to make our game more right. Hopefully it will be better in the future."

Speaking on Tuesday, Guardiola sympathised with Klopp and Liverpool, and feels that VAR officials and the decisions made by them are wrongly taking centre stage over the performances of the players on the pitch.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured before the match on October 4, 2023 © Reuters

"[VAR has] changed the job of the referees because now they don't make the decisions, it goes to the VAR," Guardiola told reporters, as quoted by football.london. "I understand the feeling of Liverpool but the bosses of the referees will decide.

"No [I don't have any ideas how to improve it]. I'm not a professional in that to apply it as best as possible. I'm not involved in that and I don't care.

"We have to rely on the people there. Everyone knows they did a mistake and Liverpool suffered a big consequence of that cause in these games is super important.

"They will have to find a system where the main roles are the players and the game itself. In all the countries, not just here. The referees and the VARs are the leading roles. And the Oscar goes to... they have to make a step back. It's the players.

"Some games, be more humble and leave the players to do what they have to do, and they will be better. They will be better."

Liverpool, whose 17-game unbeaten league run was ended by Spurs, will look to return to winning ways when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, a few hours before Premier League leaders Man City face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.