Pep Guardiola accuses Sadio Mane of diving; Calls it 'special talent'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apparently taken a swipe at Liverpool by commenting on Sadio Mane's 'diving' ahead of next Sunday's meeting between the sides. Both Manchester City and Liverpool came from behind on Saturday to record wins over Southampton and Aston Villa respectively. Sadio Mane was booked during Liverpool's game which was rightly noted by Pep Guardiola as he stated the attacker has a special talent for it.

Also read | Bayern Munich Sack Niko Kovac; Allegri And Mourinho Linked With Job

Sadio Mane has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after earning two penalties - against Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur last month - with Liverpool converting each time to win both games. On Saturday, he scored Liverpool's winner at Villa Park in the fourth minute of stoppage time but had been booked for diving earlier in the Premier League game. Speaking after the game between Manchester City and Southampton, Pep Guardiola hit out at the Senegal international's actions. He noted that Mane has done this quite a few times in the Premier League and branded Mane 'a special talent'. Guardiola, however, also seemed to admire Liverpool's grit to dig deep and ability to score late goals.

Also read | Premier League: Everton Vs Tottenham Player Ratings And Result

Although the remarks appeared to be delivered in tandem to his match-winning goal, Guardiola's comments are sure not to be taken kindly in Merseyside. Both the sides have been a part of a lot of drama in the last few years as they compete for the Premier League title. Liverpool's fans have taken to Twitter in response to Guardiola's comments with many suggesting Pep Guardiola is showing early sign of nerves with Sadio Mane dive claim.

Liverpool fans have dug up some Man City diving cases

Pep Guardiola and Liverpool?

Manchester City will travel to Anfield on November 10 with an aim to take three points from their rivals and close the six-point gap They haven't won at Anfield in the league since 2003 and will be desperate to break the curse.

Also read | Premier League Matchday 11 Review And Key Results From The Weekend

Also read | Premier League: Everton Vs Tottenham Player Ratings And Result