Djed Spence Reflects on Pep Guardiola’s Praise and Advice After Tottenham’s Defeat to Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur’s full-back Djed Spence made headlines back in February following his side’s narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City, a game that was notable not just for its result but for an intriguing exchange between Spence and City manager Pep Guardiola after the final whistle.
It has been a difficult season for Spurs, who have struggled to maintain consistency and now find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. With their hopes of securing European football all but dashed, the North London side has endured a campaign filled with disappointment. However, despite their struggles, Tottenham has historically been a thorn in Manchester City’s side, and their matches against Guardiola’s team have often been tightly contested affairs.
Spurs had already stunned the reigning Premier League champions earlier in the season with an emphatic 4-0 victory, raising hopes among their fans that they could pull off another upset when they met again in February. However, on that occasion, City managed to grind out a narrow victory, with Erling Haaland’s first-half goal proving to be the difference in a game that saw Tottenham struggle to create meaningful chances.
While the result may not have been in Spurs’ favor, one of the more talked-about moments came after the match, when Guardiola was seen engaging in a lively exchange with Spence, playfully slapping him on the back before sharing a few words. At the time, speculation swirled about what exactly was said between the two. Now, months later, Spence has finally lifted the lid on the conversation.
Djed Spence Opens Up on Pep Guardiola’s Post-Match Comments
Speaking as a guest on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Spence revealed the details of his interaction with Guardiola, who appeared both impressed and amused by the young defender’s energy and commitment on the pitch.
“He gave me a hard smack as well, to be fair,” Spence recalled with a laugh. “He was just like, ‘Oh, you play like this? You come on and play like this? You run and run and you play like this against my team?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah,’ that sort of thing.”
The conversation didn’t end there, as Guardiola went on to acknowledge Spence’s improvement and return to the pitch after a difficult period without regular game time.
“And he was like, ‘It’s good. You weren’t playing, now you’re playing. It’s good. Well done!’” Spence added.
For the young full-back, such words from one of football’s greatest tacticians were undoubtedly a boost, particularly given his struggles for consistent minutes under Ange Postecoglou.
Pep Guardiola’s Admiration for Tottenham’s Speed and Energy
Guardiola has long been known for taking the time to speak to opposition players after matches, often offering words of encouragement or tactical insight. The Spanish manager, widely regarded as one of the best to ever grace the touchline, commands the respect of players across the league, and when he speaks, they tend to listen.
When later asked about his comments to Spence, Guardiola explained that he had actually advised the Tottenham defender to pace himself more on the pitch.
“‘Why do you run too much? You should be more calm,’” Guardiola said, according to talkSPORT.
The Manchester City boss also took the opportunity to highlight the incredible pace and energy within Tottenham’s squad, singling out several players who he believes are extremely difficult to handle when they are at full flight.
“Udogie is quite similar, the pace of this team is difficult to… Maybe Liverpool, but they are unbelievable, unbearable, and every time they have the ball and run, they’re unstoppable,” Guardiola noted, before naming a few Spurs stars. “Spence, Pedro Porro, Udogie, Kulusevski, Son.”
A Moment of Encouragement for Spence in a Challenging Season
For Spence, receiving such praise and advice from Guardiola was undoubtedly a moment to cherish, particularly in a season where he has found opportunities hard to come by. Having struggled for regular game time at Tottenham, a public nod of approval from one of the game’s most respected managers could serve as a much-needed confidence boost as he looks to cement a place in Postecoglou’s squad.
Spence’s time at Tottenham has been far from smooth sailing, with loan spells and limited opportunities halting his progress. However, his recent performances have shown glimpses of the talent that made him such a sought-after prospect when Spurs signed him from Middlesbrough. If he can build on Guardiola’s words and refine his game further, there’s every chance that he could become a key figure for Tottenham in the years to come.
For now, though, as Spurs continue to navigate a tough season, Spence will be hoping to make the most of any opportunities that come his way, and perhaps, prove to Guardiola that his relentless running and work ethic can indeed be an asset rather than a flaw.
Djed Spence shares what Pep Guardiola came and told him after Tottenham vs Man City
