'They’re idiots, well done Pep': Roy Keane praises Manchester City manager for dealing with 'absolute nuisance'

TAMWORTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: TV pundit Roy Keane looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tamworth and Tottenham Hotspur at The Lamb Ground on January 12, 2025 in Tamworth, England. (Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images) Pep Guardiola Manchester City manager
Roy Keane and Pep Guardiola (Image credit: Getty Images)

Roy Keane isn't one to shirk a bit of criticism for players, managers or even supporters in modern football, but the Manchester United legend actually commended Pep Guardiola for how he acted - while still finding a way to disapprove of an issue in the modern world.

In a video that came to light prior to Manchester City's game against Brentford on Tuesday evening, though reportedly actually took place last summer, Guardiola hit back at autograph hunters who were wanting him to sign memorabilia and merchandise in order to sell on for big money.

"Don't come again, I won't tell you again, I know your faces," Guardiola told the autograph hunters. Go to school and prepare yourself guys. You are young guys so don't be here, wasting time.

"What are your dreams? Tell me, what is it? Where do you dream my friend? Practice, f***ing hell, practice."

Roy Keane hails Pep Guardiola for handling 'idiots'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola saw his side beat Salford City 8-0 this weekend in the FA Cup Roy Keane

Guardiola hit back at autograph hunters (Image credit: Getty Images)

Speaking about the incident on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane agreed with Guardiola for delivering the lecture and refusing to sign any merchandise.

“Good on Pep Guardiola for lecturing the autograph hunters – they are an absolute nuisance," Keane said.

Roy Keane says Marcus Rashford moving away from Manchester United would be a good thing

Keane agreed with how Guardiola acted (Image credit: Sky Sports/The Overlap)

"You see them everywhere and he’s dead right. Years ago, if you wanted a jersey or a photograph, there was an element of respect. There isn’t that respect now. Now there’s people waiting in the car parks.

"Also, is that his house? It’s awful if they know where people are living now. They’re idiots, well done Pep.”

After throwing away a 2-0 lead at the Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday, Manchester City face another away trip on Sunday, this time to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town.

That's ahead of a crucial Champions League match against PSG next Wednesday - a game in which the Catalan boss will need his players to be on top form or risk failing to qualify for the knockout stages.

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future. 

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