The City boss was due to hold a lunchtime press conference to preview Sunday’s Premier League game against Tottenham but assistant boss Pep Lijnders took his place. Pep Lijnders, left, spoke to the media in place of Pep Guardiola (Mike Egerton/PA)Lijnders said: “The manager is good, as always, full of ambition and passion but it is a personal matter. He will arrive back here in Manchester today.”Guardiola also missed a pre-match press conference because of a personal matter last month. Lijnders confirmed the club are supporting defender Ruben Dias after the home he shares with his partner, TV presenter Maya Jama, was burgled this week. Ruben Dias’ home was burgled this week (Nigel French/PA)“These are the things you don’t want to happen.

Source: Express January 30, 2026 15:37 UTC