Joleon Lescott says Pep Guardiola did not mean to disrespect Manchester City fans when he asked for a greater attendance during their clash with Southampton.
The manager was criticised after inviting fans to turn up in greater numbers for their Premier League showdown after 38,062 watched City beat RB Leipzig at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Lescott believes Guardiola could have articulated his point differently but understands the sentiment behind his comments - claiming the City boss was trying to 'emphasise the importance of the fans'.
Lescott said: 'Understand Pep's need to urge fans to come obvious it wasn't a full capacity but I think he was trying to emphasise the importance they have and the role they play in helping lift the team up when the mood is subdued at times.