Miron Muslić (foto: Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola showed great respect for Miron Muslić, swapping his traditional wine gift for a Fanta after learning the Bosnian does not drink alcohol, making for a memorable FA Cup moment.
Miron Muslić had a dream come true when his Plymouth Argyle side faced Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round. However, the Bosnian coach experienced something even more special off the pitch—a touching gesture from Guardiola, who swapped his traditional wine gift for a bottle of Fanta upon learning that Muslić is Muslim and does not consume alcohol.
According to Marca, citing BBC sources, someone informed Guardiola before the match that Muslić doesn’t drink alcohol. In response, Pep told him:
"Miron, forget the wine. I know you don’t drink, but I have a Fanta ready for you."
After the game, Muslić revealed that Guardiola kept his word, hosting him and his staff in his office for 45 minutes. There, a bottle of Italian red wine awaited his coaching staff, while Muslić was served a Fanta instead.
"We enjoyed the company and hospitality of one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport. It was a wonderful experience," Muslić told BBC Sport.
"We are colleagues, even though this man has won almost everything in the world of football, and I have won nothing. The entire coaching staff was there, and we had a great time. When Pep speaks, you have to listen—and I think we all did," he added.
On the pitch, Manchester City defeated Plymouth Argyle 3-1, advancing to the FA Cup quarterfinals. However, for Muslić, the real highlight was the humble and respectful gesture from Guardiola, who once again proved himself to be not just an elite coach, but a great person as well.