'He can break his leg!' - Pep Guardiola reveals what he said to referee after Man City boss angrily confronted officials after draw against Brighton

City manager Guardiola was livid after Hooper booked winger Jeremy Doku for simulation following a challenge from Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke. The ex-Barcelona boss stressed that if the Belgian had not jumped, he might have broken his leg.

He said after the game: "If he doesn't jump, he can break his leg. To go on the grass is a tackle and he jumps so there is no contact. Jeremy is not a diving player. They should know it but it is what it is. We didn't win or lose for those decisions. I said to the referee that if he doesn't jump he can be kicked hard. He jumped to protect himself but it doesn't matter, don't ask me about that."

City went on to draw the game 2-2 at the Etihad on Saturday, with Guardiola's men fifth in the Premier League and fighting to qualify for next season's Champions League. Guardiola admitted his side are feeling the pressure.

He added: "Nine games left and nine finals. It is what it is. I think it will go right to the end. I am always confident. In some moments I have doubts, but I always try to find the right way. You can feel the pressure in the stadium. We have to play better and the fans want it so bad. Everyone feels it."

After the international break, City travel to Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on March 30.