Pep Guardiola gave a number of baffling responses to a reporter when the Man City boss was asked about Rico Lewis' red card against Crystal Palace.
The 20-year-old midfielder was dismissed in the 84th minute for City in the 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park, and the champions have now won just one of their last nine games in all competitions.
He received his first yellow card in the 70th minute for dissent towards the referee, just two minutes after scoring the equalizer.
Then a clumsy tackle on Trevoh Chalobah saw Lewis pick up the first red card of his professional career.
Guardiola was conservative in his words when questioned about the incident, giving cryptic answers.
“It's because it's Rico,” the Spaniard told BBC Sport.
'Sorry?' the reporter replied.
Guardiola: 'It's Rico.'
Reporter: 'Sorry, I couldn't hear you.'
Guardiola: 'It's because it's Rico.'
Reporter: 'Do you think he got the yellow card because it's Rico Lewis?'
Guardiola: 'Is it a yellow card?'
Reporter: 'No, I'm asking you; Did you think it was a yellow card?'
Guardiola: 'It's Rico Lewis.'
City now sit fourth in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, who have not lost in their last 17 games in all competitions.
Guardiola's men failed to capitalize on a potential psychological advantage over their title rivals as Liverpool's match against Everton was postponed on Saturday afternoon.
If City could close the gap further with a win, the pressure would be on for Liverpool to match that result when they eventually play their game in hand.
For now, though, Arne Slot's side will continue to dictate matters at the top of the table as they prepare for their return to competition this Saturday at Anfield against Fulham.
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