Makes sense, so as not to be suspicious

NYON – Round of 16 draw Champions League 2021/2022 had to be restarted due to a technical error. Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola understands the error, and considers UEFA’s steps reasonable in order to avoid suspicion.

The draw which was held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, Monday (12/13/2021) night WIB has raised the suspicion of many parties to the European Football Agency (UEFA). The draw must be repeated following a technical error by the organizer. Manchester United, which is in the same group as Villarreal, even met again in the knockout phase.

Also read: 2021/2022 Champions League Round of 16 Draw Results: Atletico vs MU, PSG vs Real Madrid, Inter vs Liverpool

Then, Man United’s name was not included in the pot when the draw for Atletico Madrid was made. As a result, the incident drew protests from a number of teams including Atlético and eventually made the draw repeated.

Also read: 2021/2022 Europa League Round of 16 Playoff Draw: Fierce Duel Barcelona vs Napoli

This incident suddenly made many people suspect that UEFA had arranged in such a way that the draw was just a formality. However, Guardiola does not agree with that because he thinks the re-draw is something that makes sense to do.

“I think it’s fair. It was a mistake. Things like this sometimes happen, especially players and managers, sometimes UEFA too,” said Guardiola quoted by the Mirror, Monday (13/12/2021).

“As I always say, I am more than satisfied to be a part of it. I think it makes sense (a re-draw), so there is no suspicion.”

The Citizens – the nickname of Man City – will face Sporting Lisbon. In fact, they had previously found a tougher opponent, namely Villareal.

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