Carragher has funny theory over why Guardiola didn't go after Keane in title dig

The Liverpool legend, his Manchester United counterpart Gary Neville and ex-Man City star Micah Richards were mentioned by Guardiola in his press conference before his side's 1-0 loss at Aston Villa.

The ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss took issue with the trio after he deemed them to suggest the treble winners could be showing signs of complacency after last season's historic exploits.

Alongside pointing out Carragher had never won a title, Guardiola was adamant his side were far from complacent.

Carragher soon responded, referencing Man City's 115 Financial Fair Play charges and saying he too 'would've won' the league if Liverpool had done the same.

Now, Carragher has given a lengthier response to Guardiola on the Stick to Football podcast, suggesting his digs are part of the Man City's boss' plan to form an 'us against the world' mentality at the club during their dip in form.

He said: "He obviously said that in the press conference and that was one for the papers that comes out at 10:30 at night, I was sent it like an hour or two before.

"I was just waiting for it to come out."

He continued: "I thought it was the siege mentality, have a go at someone, he said something about the [Etihad Stadium] crowd didn't he last week.

"If you go back this time last year, I think it was exactly the same time, they were playing Tottenham. They were getting beat 2-0 and then they won 4-2.

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"He came out and had a bit of a go at people. It feels to me that he's a little bit worried about Arsenal, the fact he's done that and he feels he needs to give everyone a kick up the backside as well."

Then, raising his finger and pointing to Roy Keane, he joked: "The only thing as well I noticed, he must be terrified of him.

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"He didn't mention him, did he?!"

Carragher is of course referring to the fact that aside from being part of the Man United squad that dominated the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson, Keane is best known for his no-nonsense attitude as a player.

The Irishman smiled at Carragher's joke before continuing: "He's using a word in his press conference, 'complacent', I don't think I said, I said they're off it and they're giving bad goals away and they're easier to play against, but I think why he was probably a bit more annoyed with that word."

After being asked by Gary Neville if he thinks Man City are being complacent after not winning in four Premier League outings, Keane's response had Neville, Carragher and Wright bursting out laughing.

Keane said: "I'm going to say no after he said that!"

Man City next face Luton Town on Sunday as they look to gain ground on league leaders Arsenal, who are five points ahead of them.