Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City fans to ‘be happy’ and not boo the Champions League anthem ahead of the final against Inter Milan on Saturday night. The Citizens have done this for many years for various reasons, but earlier this week captain Ilkay Gundogan suggested to fans that the team need to hear a more positive sound ahead of kick-off – given the successful impact it had for the FA Cup final. Gundogan said that from the moment they wait in the tunnel, as they line-up on the pitch and during the whole game, they need that positive noise again. He also suggested that instead of booing, fans should do the Poznan, where they turn their backs on the pitch, link shoulders and jump on the spot, when the anthem is played.
Guardiola seems to share this sentiment, telling reporters in his pre-match press conference on Friday: ‘I agree with Ilkay, it is a day to celebrate. Inter fans, City fans, a day to be happy. Celebrate being here. Finish, what happens in the past is the past. It’s an incredible competition, UEFA organise it, we support unconditionally what they’re doing. We aren’t going to boo again and have fun.’
The match in Istanbul could be a historic night for the club, as if they win they will have completed a rare treble following their triumphs in the Premier League and FA Cup. Both sets of supporters will no doubt generate a great atmosphere in the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, but the evening could get off to a positive start with City fans encouraged to cheer rather than jeer the Champions League anthem.