Pep Guardiola suggests officials are ‘leading role’ and seeking ‘Oscars’ and announces return of key duo

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has suggested referees are 'seeking Oscars' amid the row over VAR.

There has been plenty of debate over the effectiveness of match officials in recent days after VAR failed to act during Liverpool's defeat against Tottenham last weekend.

After Luis Diaz's goal was initially given offside, a mix-up in the VAR failed to overturn the decision.

Liverpool went on to lose the match as Joel Matip scored an own goal in the 96th minute and it has sparked fury from the club, who posted a strong statement in response.

It has led to a debate over VAR and its effectiveness in the Premier League and Guardiola has seemingly stood with Liverpool, suggesting referees take the limelight.

He said in his press conference on Tuesday: «It changed the job of the referees because now they don't make the decisions, it goes to the VAR.

»I understand the feeling of Liverpool but the bosses of the referees will decide.

«They will have to find a system where the main roles are the players and the game itself. In all the countries, not just here.

»The referees and the VARs are the leading roles. And the Oscar goes to… they have to make a step back.

«It’s the players. Some games, be more humble and leave the players to do what they have to do, and they will be better. They will be better.»

City take on RB Leipzig on Wednesday night in the Champions League, live on talkSPORT, as they look to bounce back from a defeat at the weekend.

Wolves landed a 2-1 win over the Premier League champions on Saturday, ending their perfect run this season.

And Guardiola's men face Arsenal on Sunday in a crucial clash for both sides, though he has revealed that John Stones and Bernardo Silva are back in training.

He added: «They feel better.