Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has ignited a firestorm of controversy with his blunt remarks about the city of Liverpool, describing it as “not the best part of the UK”.
Ortega’s comments came in the aftermath of City’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield, a loss that has left the defending Premier League champions 11 points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool. The German goalkeeper, who made a rare start in place of Ederson, was asked about the Reds fans’ taunts aimed at City manager Pep Guardiola, including chants that he would be “sacked in the morning”.
In response, Ortega told talkSPORT: “Someone told me before that this area is probably not the best part of the UK. Yeah, I think the manager reacted really well, erm yeah.” The remarks are likely to be seen as a provocative swipe at the city of Liverpool and its people.
The defeat at Anfield has left City reeling, with their winless streak now stretching to seven matches. The gap between City and Liverpool appears to be widening, and Ortega’s comments are unlikely to ease tensions between the two teams.
City will hope to return to winning ways when they host Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, while Liverpool travel to Newcastle United on the same date.
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