City boss Pep missing the Mediterranean lifestyle

Almost a year after taking over the helm at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists he is enjoying life in the north west – even if he is missing the colourful cuisine of the Mediterranean.

The Spaniard joined City last July following a three-year stint at Bayern Munich, having started his managerial career at his boyhood club Barcelona.

Guardiola guided City to a third-placed finish in the Premier League last season, 15 points adrift of champions Chelsea.

In between matches, the 46-year-old could often be found frequenting Manchester’s culinary haunts, and he admits the rain is yet to put him off the Mancunian lifestyle.

(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“I’m enjoying it a lot,” he said. “I know it’s not the best weather in the world, I know it’s not the most beautiful city in the world, but that’s what makes Manchester so special.

“I’m a Catalan guy so Mediterranean food is much better than yours – I’m sorry. In that we are better.

“If you don’t agree, you should go to Italy and Spain in the summer time, because the food is better than here.”

And for a man well acquainted with Bavaria’s finest lagers, thanks to his regular appearances at Oktoberfest, Guardiola admits he is yet to have his first taste of one local tipple.

“The first time I will try Manchester Boddingtons, I will tell you which I prefer because I’ve never tried Manchester Boddingtons,” he said.