Guardiola tears up after Walker row in Manchester City’s 2-0 loss

Pep Guardiola became visibly emotional after a heated argument with Kyle Walker in Manchester City’s dressing room following their 2-0 defeat by Liverpool in December 2024. The confrontation at Anfield is featured in the Prime Video documentary A Beautiful Obsession, which follows Guardiola’s final two seasons at the club.

Walker challenged the manager over what he viewed as repeated personal criticism. The defender argued that Guardiola kept bringing up his name during team meetings, including situations where Walker had not been directly responsible for an error. He also disputed the suggestion that his frequent mention was linked to his role as captain, saying Guardiola had not wanted him in that position.

The exchange came only days after Guardiola had agreed a new contract with City. The manager then turned to the wider squad and said he needed to know if his presence had become a problem. He made clear that the contract extension was driven by his desire to remain with the players and continue competing with them, rather than by money or a wish to stay without purpose.

Guardiola struggled to control his emotions as he spoke about wanting to support the team and not seeing the group break apart. He told the players that any concerns should be raised directly, while insisting that the argument had not changed his affection for them.

The episode was followed by a sharp change in Walker’s City career. The Treble-winning right-back made only seven more appearances for the club before moving to AC Milan on loan for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign. He then left City permanently in the summer of 2025 to join Burnley, ending a spell in which he made more than 300 appearances.

Guardiola remained at City until the end of the 2025/26 season, when he left a year before his contract was scheduled to expire. During his tenure, he won six Premier League titles and the Champions League, among other honours.