Pep Guardiola says he will not apologise for calling on more Manchester City fans to attend their Premier League game with Southampton.
The City manager said he "would like more people" at the Etihad Stadium for the visit of the Saints on Saturday.
While his plea attracted criticism from the club's fans, Guardiola has insisted his comments were misinterpreted.
Speaking on Friday, he said: "Did I say after the game that I was disappointed that the stadium was not full?"
"An interpretation is an interpretation. I am not going to apologise. I know how difficult last season was, and we make an approach to do something together on Saturday.
"It doesn't matter how many come, I enjoy them. After five seasons they misunderstand me. I won't apologise."
Attendances for City's Champions League games at home have tended to be lower than those for Premier League matches.
The Etihad Stadium capacity is about 55,000 and there was a crowd of 38,062 against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, with the away section virtually empty.
However, the attendance for City's first two home league games of the season against Norwich (51,437) and Arsenal (52,276) were close to capacity.
'If it's a problem for fans, I will step aside'
On Thursday, a leading City supporters group labelled Guardiola's comments after the Leipzig game "disappointing and uncalled for".
"It's not factual, our attendances are generally excellent," said Kevin Parker, general secretary of City's official supporters' club.
"He [Guardiola] doesn't understand the difficulties that some people might have getting to a game on a Wednesday evening at 8pm."
However, Guardiola passionately argued that he would never criticise City fans for being unable to attend games.
"I am entirely grateful for the support that we had against Leipzig," added the 50-year-old, who celebrated his 300th game in charge with a stylish 6-3 win over the Bundesliga side in their Champions League opener.
"I always say if guys want to come we will be incredibly grateful because I know how difficult the game will be and I know we need our people.
"I never sit here and ask why people don't come. If you can't come then don't.
"If it's a problem for fans, I will step aside. From day one, I do my best. I like to play at the Etihad with my fans... my intentions are to be part of something, to do it together."
Latest Stories
-
Poll results alone don’t constitute victory for any political party- Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC
36 mins -
Gyakie spills truth on her journey to fame
40 mins -
Energy sector CSOs challenge President Akufo-Addo to transparent value for money audit of SML contract
49 mins -
Plunderers of the State will face the music – Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang promises
59 mins -
We don’t feel safe after inconsiderate conduct of Regional Minister – Ashanti ECG staff
2 hours -
Ghana needs urgent reset and inspiring leadership – Mahama
3 hours -
Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC: Don’t be complacent, election 2024 victory isn’t assured yet
3 hours -
Ongoing power crisis worst in the 4th Republic- Alhassan Suhuyini
3 hours -
Power challenges would be over in the next few days – Herbert Krapa
3 hours -
Full text: Acceptance speech by Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Mahama’s running mate
3 hours -
Government’s fiscal adjustment on track – Report
3 hours -
Commercial drivers damn threats, unilaterally hike transport fares
4 hours -
Restore dignity to Vice President’s office – Fifi Kwetey to Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang
4 hours -
Women face mounting pressures, feel unsafe at workplace – Deloitte
4 hours -
Bright Simons asks: Where is the KPMG report on SML contract audit?
4 hours