"I want to play the football I feel," Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said after Saturday’s defeat to Leicester City.
He has issued similar statements all season. After the draw against Everton in October, he was in mock-apologetic mode. "This is who I am," he said. "This is what I believe. I’m sorry."
There he stands. He can't do it any other way.
Which is all fine and noble and laudable. His philosophy has been highly successful, bringing six league titles and two Champions Leagues in seven seasons in management while producing some of the most startling and beautiful football the world has known.