Pep Guardiola backs Brentford striker Ivan Toney to return stronger from betting ban
‘In the bad moments we all have, you have to learn from it’: Pep Guardiola backs Ivan Toney to return stronger from his betting offense suspension, while crediting Brentford for promising to support striker
- Toney has been suspended until January for breaking betting rules
- The 27-year-old has been diagnosed as a gambling addict after 232 violations
- Guardiola says he has to ‘accept’ his mistake but is looking forward to his return
Pep Guardiola has said he is looking forward to seeing a rehabilitated Ivan Toney back in the Premier League once he has served his suspension for betting offences.
The Manchester City boss will not have to face Brentford’s top scorer on Sunday afternoon as Toney is out until January and is seeking help for a gambling addiction.
Guardiola supports Brentford’s stance to help the striker overcome his problems.
“I’m not here to teach. Everyone has their problems and if he (Toney) has made a mistake, he has to accept it,” Guardiola said.
“There are some things we shouldn’t forget, but I’m pretty sure he’ll get better.
Pep Guardiola (right) has said he is looking forward to seeing a rehabilitated Ivan Toney (left) back in the Premier League
The Brentford striker has been suspended until January for betting offences
“I’m very happy that his manager and club support him because in the bad moments we all have you have to learn from it and it’s a new opportunity.”
Guardiola is an admirer of Bees manager Thomas Frank, who engineered a 2-1 victory at The Etihad in the final game before the World Cup earlier this season.
“What Thomas Frank has done – almost promoted, promoted, last season and this season – is consistency.
“They’ve beaten most of the top six and are so hard to play against, how they hold the long balls, second balls and set pieces – they’re the best in the Premier League.
“People thought they beat us because it was the World Cup game. Bulls**t! They beat us because they were better.’