According to Pep Guardiola, the ongoing ambiguity surrounding VAR rulings significantly hampers the ability of managers to maintain emotional composure following games. The Manchester City manager was speaking after the Newcastle vs. Arsenal matchofficiating generated controversy by allowing Anthony Gordon’s goal to stand despite a triple VAR review.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who previously collaborated with Guardiola at City, was enraged by the decision and described himself as “sick” and “embarrassed” following the 1-0 victory by Newcastle. Arsenal issued a resolute statement on Sunday, urging an enhancement in the caliber of officiating and denouncing what they termed “unacceptable errors” that occurred at St. James’ Park.

Guardiola stated, “I have the impression that there is much confusion about many things in every country,” prior to City’s Champions League match against Young Boys on Tuesday. “The manager experiences intense emotions following the games, which are extremely difficult to control.”

While Gordon’s goal may have conferred a title race advantage on City, his former City assistant received conspicuous support. Guardiola stated, “I am speaking for myself and not Mikel Arteta or any other manager.” “It is not simple.” In addition, he stated that the manner in which VAR is implemented in the Champions League differs from that in England. “Among other things, the handball is distinct from the rest.”

Guardiola expressed his sympathy for the officials but declined to assign responsibility for the confusion to them. “This is a delicate matter. It is also challenging for the referees. Presently, I am uncertain of my whereabouts in that particular position.”

Should Young Boys suffer a loss and the holders maintain their perfect record in Group G, they will advance with two games remaining to the round of 16. Thus, one’s attention was diverted to the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia the following month, where City will represent Europe.

“We’ve never been there because we had to win the Champions League,” said Guardiola, who led Barcelona to the Intercontinental Cup in 2009 and 2011, but lost to São Paulo in 1992 as a Barça player. “I have been there on multiple occasions; the initial game is extremely difficult. Individuals discuss the final, but I had difficulty. Performing the task with Barcelona was not a simple task.”

City’s 6-1 loss to Bournemouth was not contested in the second half, and his manager was ambivalent regarding the striker’s availability on Tuesday. “He informed me that he is feeling considerably better, but I remain uncertain.”