"Shampoo or Champion?" – Language Mix-Up Costs Khusanov His Place at Man City

Abdukodir Khusanov lost his spot in Manchester City's starting lineup due to a language barrier.

Anyone can offend an artist — especially when that artist is a recognized genius going through personal, professional, and creative crises. We’re talking, of course, about Pep Guardiola, who became the main character of a hilarious new story straight out of Manchester. Playing alongside the legendary coach is none other than Abdukodir Khusanov.

Things didn’t go smoothly for the talented Uzbek defender from the very beginning of his time at City. Just three minutes into his debut against Chelsea, he made a mistake that led to a goal. A few matches later, he even scored an own goal against Brighton. Guardiola defended Khusanov's struggles by citing three "lacks": lack of experience, lack of chemistry with teammates, and lack of English skills.

As for the latter, Pep even joked: “If Khusanov doesn’t understand me, maybe I should just learn Uzbek or Russian. That would be faster.” As a polyglot, Guardiola has every right to make such jokes. Just remember the story from his brother, who said that after signing with Bayern, Pep drove everyone crazy by speaking only German at home.

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Guardiola was honest when talking about the situation with Khusanov: the two barely speak to each other. Still, despite the mistakes, Abdukodir played every game without substitution up until late March. Then he suddenly disappeared — not even making the bench for the last three weeks. Our colleagues have now offered an explanation: according to them, a clash caused by the language barrier is behind it all.

According to insider info from Real Talk Manchester City, during one training session, Guardiola was so impressed by Khusanov’s effort that he gave him a hug and called him a “champion.” In return, Abdukodir tried to reciprocate the compliment, but missed the mark slightly: “You – shampoo.” It was just a small mix-up between “champion” and “shampoo.”

But Pep took offense, thinking the young defender was making fun of his bald head. Reportedly, even Rúben Dias tried to intervene, but Guardiola was unmoved and saw all explanations as excuses. If this is true, all we can offer Khusanov is sympathy. Pep isn’t a vengeful man — but he does have a long memory. Just ask Ibrahimović, who called him a coward and then sat on the bench for the rest of the season.

Yeah, the “bald fraud” meme has never hit this close to home.

Published by Patrick Jane
20.04.2025