Pep Guardiola’s ongoing public criticism of Israel over the war in Gaza has left many Manchester City supporters in Israel grappling with a conflict between loyalty to their club and frustration with their manager’s political activism.
In recent months, Guardiola has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and has voiced consistent support for Palestinians at public events and award ceremonies. In one speech last month, he said: “We abandoned the Palestinians. We did nothing. We allowed Israel to destroy an entire nation — irreversible damage. We remained silent because we were told not to say genocide. I am completely on the side of the Palestinians, innocent people who are killed every day.”
The comments were not isolated. Over the past year, Guardiola has used multiple public platforms to address Gaza, urging audiences to take moral positions on humanitarian crises and framing the conflict in stark terms.
Jewish community leaders in Manchester sent a letter to the club’s management after the manager did not publicly express solidarity following the killing of two Jews outside a synagogue in the city on Yom Kippur in October. They argued that his continued rhetoric, particularly in the wake of Oct. 7, risks deepening tensions and contributing to an already fraught climate for Jews in the city.
Manchester City has not issued an official statement addressing Guardiola’s remarks.
For Israeli fans, the situation is complicated.
'I separate Pep the coach from Pep the person'
Nadav Alexander, 40, from Yokneam, is a third-generation Manchester City supporter. His grandfather held a season ticket at Maine Road, and his father maintained one until immigrating to Israel in 1981.
“We’ve been through a crazy roller coaster since the takeover and Pep’s arrival — from just another club to one of the biggest,” Alexander said.
He describes Guardiola as transformative.
“He brought us to heights of success and happiness in England and Europe. In my view he is the best coach in the world and someone who changed football,” Alexander said. “You see his fingerprint everywhere.”
Still, the repeated comments about Gaza have been difficult to ignore.
“It’s not pleasant to hear,” Alexander said. “But I understand it comes from ignorance about what is happening here. He chose a side, like many in Catalonia who identify with the Palestinian narrative.”
Alexander said he does not believe the remarks stem from antisemitism.
“I’m not angry — I’m disappointed,” he said. “I’m City before him and I’ll be City after him.”
'Professionally a genius, personally a disappointment'
Ben Eitan, 35, from Kibbutz Tel Yitzhak, chairs Manchester City’s official supporters’ club in Israel, which includes about 250 members.
“The team is part of my daily life,” he said. “Press conferences, match analysis, WhatsApp groups — it’s constant.”
Eitan said Guardiola’s repeated statements about Gaza have created discomfort among members.
“Professionally he turned us into a powerhouse,” he said. “As a person, it’s a deep disappointment.”
He stopped short of labeling the comments antisemitic.
“I don’t know if it’s antisemitism,” Eitan said. “Criticizing Israel is very popular. In his case there is also arrogance — seeing a partial picture and drawing sweeping conclusions without deep understanding. He understands football, not the Middle East.”
Still, he added: “One day he will leave, and my love for the club will remain.”
'Football stands on its own'
Alon Medina, 58, from Hadera, has supported Manchester City since 1976.
“For years I thought I was the only supporter of this club in Israel,” he said.
Medina praised Guardiola’s tactical brilliance but said the repeated political messaging has changed how he views him.
“Until recently I would speak about him without reservation,” Medina said. “Today I see someone swept along by the current. He is a football genius, but his knowledge of the Middle East is limited.”
Medina said he does not believe Guardiola is inherently antisemitic but warned that strong anti-Israel rhetoric can have consequences.
“Football is a religion,” he said. “It stands on its own.”
For Israeli fans, the internal debate continues. Admiration for Guardiola’s football achievements remains strong, but so does discomfort with his persistent public focus on Gaza and the Palestinians.
“He brought us glory,” Alexander said. “But that doesn’t mean this doesn’t hurt.”