Jamie Carragher joked that Pep Guardiola is "scared" of Roy Keane as the Manchester City coach avoided criticising the former Manchester United star.

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Guardiola hit back at pundits over criticismMan City boss did not mention Roy KeaneCarragher joked coach is scared of IrishmanWHAT HAPPENED?

The City boss responded to criticism from pundits Carragher, Gary Neville and Micah Richards in a press conference this week after the former Liverpool, United and City players accused Guardiola's team of complacency. The Catalan coach mocked the trio because they did not win four Premier League titles in a row as his team are aiming to do this season, adding: "I don’t have that feeling [of complacency]. Maybe, maybe I’m wrong and they are seeing everything that I’m not able to see."

AdvertisementGettyWHAT CARRAGHER SAID

Carragher feels Guardiola's comments were an attempt to create a "siege mentality" within his team, but noted that ex-United hardman Keane was not mentioned in his criticism. He said on the podcast from Sky Bet: "He came out and had a bit of a go at people. It feels to me that he's a little bit worried about Arsenal, the fact he's done that and he feels he needs to give everyone a kick up the backside as well… The only thing as well I noticed, he must be terrified of him [Keane]. He didn't mention him, did he?!"

Keane highlighted that Guardiola seemed particularly annoyed by claims his team have grown complacent, a term the Irishman did not use in his criticism. He said: "He's using a word in his press conference, 'complacent', I don't think I said, I said they're off it and they're giving bad goals away and they're easier to play against, but I think why he was probably a bit more annoyed with that word."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

City did not do themselves any favours against such criticism as they were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa on Wednesday, who were on top against the reigning Premier League champions for the entire 90 minutes. Guardiola's team managed just two shots in the game, while Villa had 22.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

City have failed to win any of their last four Premier League matches heading into their meeting with Luton on Sunday. The European and English champions are now six points behind league leaders Arsenal, who come up against City slayers Aston Villa on Saturday.