Yaya Toure claims that Pep Guardiola has problem with African players rejected by former Barcelona team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen
Toure made staggering accusations against the Man City boss but ex-Barca team-mate Gudjohnsen says claims are nothing like the atmosphere he experienced at the Nou Camp
EIDUR GUDJOHSEN has dismissed Yaya Toure's allegations that Pep Guardiola has a problem with African players based on his time working under the Spaniard at Barcelona.
Toure has made the staggering claim his treatment at the hands of Guardiola in Spain and at Manchester City could have been down to his colour.
And the Ivory Coast legend, 35, attempted to reinforce his view by insisting other former Barcelona team-mates suffered similarly under the manager.
Toure claimed: "It got to the point where I asked myself if it was because of my colour. I'm not the first - other Barcelona players have asked the question, too."
But Gudjohnsen, who worked under Guardiola and was a team-mate of Toure's during his time at Barca, was left shocked when he saw what the midfielder had said.
Asked if he recognised anything about Guardiola in what Toure had alleged, Gudjohnsen, 39, said: "No. I don’t know where he comes from.
"There never seemed to be any problem when we were in Barcelona.
"I don’t know if he’s just had a fall out, but I’ve no idea where he is coming from."
AGENT PROVOCATEUR Yaya will play for Man City rival for £1-a-week to get Guardiola revenge
The accusations made by Toure are surprising considering Guardiola has made Algeria international Riyad Mahrez his top summer transfer target.
Gudjohnsen won a Champions League at Barca, working with Guardiola and Toure, during his three year stay in La Liga from 2006 to 2009.
most read in football
Before then he had spent six successful years at Chelsea, where he won the Premier League twice before quitting for Barcelona.
He developed a close relationship with Frank Lampard during his time at Stamford Bridge, with the pair still in regular contact now.
And he is convinced Lampard can be a major success now he has moved into management by taking over at Championship side Derby.
Dream Team World Cup - Sign up to win £100k
- Enter for FREE
- £50m budget and 20 transfers throughout the tournament
- Play to win £100k top price and a share of £175k prizepot
Gudjohnsen added: "It’s a great challenge for him. I have got real big belief in Frank, and not only because we have a great relationship.
"You just know if he can get the team to have half of his dedication as a player, half of his work ethics, his will to improve, his will to score goals and his will to make it - if they can get half of that they will be a really good team."
