Fluminense Fans Tease Pep Guardiola By Chanting Lionel Messi’s Name Ahead of Club WC Final

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was hounded by fans. The Spaniard, who was leaving the Red Sea Mall in Saudi Arabia, encountered some Fluminense faithful who were recorded trying to get the manager’s signatures. As Guardiola tried to ignore the requests, many fans could be heard chanting Lionel Messi’s name, attempting to tease the manager.

This could likely be an attempt by the Fluminense fans to throw the Spaniard off his game. Fluminense faces Manchester City in the finals of the Club World Cup, with the English side the favorites to emerge as the champions.

Fluminense fans try to provoke Pep Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was crowded by a rowdy group of fans during his latest visit to the Red Sea Mall. The Spaniard is currently present in Saudi Arabia with Manchester City, hoping to bag the Club World Cup title. The fans at first could be seen asking for a picture, but the manager was seen on a phone call as he moved past the fans before stepping into his vehicle. This seemingly triggered the fans who were heard chanting Lionel Messi’s name, attempting to provoke the manager.

This isn’t the first time fans in Saudi Arabia have been seen chanting La Pulga’s name to get a rise out of someone. Earlier this month, Al-Hilal fans tried to get under Cristiano Ronaldo’s skin by chanting his rival’s name during the clash between the two sides. Meanwhile, as Manchester City chases another piece of silverware, Guardiola had a few words of affirmation for the Cityzens.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola Responds After Jose Mourinho’s Dig at Manchester City’s Spendings

Pep Guardiola comments on Club World Cup finals

The Manchester City boss addressed the media following his team’s 3-0 win in the semi-finals. Guardiola stated his side was not taking their opposition lightly and would do their best to win the only title they have failed to capture.

Guardiola stated, “We didn’t win it [before]. It’s the first time Manchester City are here. This is the last step. A title the club doesn’t have, so we’ll go for it. To play this final, you have to have done incredible things, mainly to win the Champions League. Once we are here, maybe it is a trophy we play for once in a lifetime.”

Manchester City is touted as the favorite to lift the Club World title. The side following the tournament will make their way back to England, with the team set to face Everton following the Christmas break.