Jewish leaders criticise Pep Guardiola for comments on international affairs, urging him to focus on football and exercise caution in public statements

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has faced criticism from Jewish community leaders for publicly commenting on international affairs, with the group claiming the club is being “let down” by his remarks.

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The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region said it had “implored” Guardiola to exercise caution in his language at a time of rising global anti-Semitism.

The statement followed Guardiola’s recent declaration that he wished to use his platform to “speak up” on global conflicts and his expression of “hurt” for victims of violence worldwide. Last week, he also delivered a speech supporting Palestinian children at a charity event in Barcelona, his hometown.

“We have repeatedly asked for prominent individuals to be mindful about the words they use, given how Jewish people have had to endure attacks across the globe,” the council said on X.

“Pep Guardiola is a football manager. Whilst his humanitarian reflections may be well-intentioned, he should focus on football. Manchester City is being let down by him repeatedly straying into commentary on international affairs.”

The statement referenced the October attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, where two people were killed, noting Guardiola had not publicly expressed solidarity with the local Jewish community.

It also highlighted incidents of anti-Semitic violence in Barcelona, suggesting previous comments by Guardiola there had been provocative.

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“We implore Mr Guardiola to be more careful in his future language, given the significant risk faced by our community,” the group added.