Ted Lasso has become one of the most popular shows on TV in recent years, with the series garnering plenty of awards during its first two seasons.
The series follows fictional American football coach Ted Lasso, who is recruited to take charge of fictional Premier League soccer club AFC Richmond in an attempt to change their fortunes.
Jason Sudeikis has won plenty of plaudits - as well as two Golden Globes and Emmy Awards - for his portrayal of the titular character, and the third season will reach its conclusion next week with the final episode 'So Long, Farewell' airing on Wednesday.
The producers of Ted Lasso enlisted the big guns for the penultimate episode, which aired last week, with Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola making an unexpected appearance.
The pretty cringeworthy short scene with Guardiola and Lasso has gained quite the reaction on social media.
'Ted Lasso' scene featuring Pep Guardiola has viewers cringing
In the buildup to the penultimate episode of Ted Lasso's third season, 'Mom City', there was some promo for the show from Manchester City.
🔵 It's Matchday 🔵
Time for the @premierleague champions to take on @AFCRichmond! 💪 pic.twitter.com/CwTFMChc0G— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 23, 2023
In the fictional Premier League season depicted in the latest episodes of the show, Lasso's team were set up for a crucial late-season game with Manchester City which would define the fate of their title bid.
[SPOILERS AHEAD] AFC Richmond would ultimately claim a huge victory, taking their title hopes to the final day, and there was a surprise cameo from real-world Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, who appeared in some pitch-side scenes.
Pep and Ted lasso isn't something I'd imagine 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/NPp5R9ncXX
— Tim my (@Timmy22) May 24, 2023
Guardiola then warmly congratulated his counterpart Lasso on a well-earned win at full-time, in a scene taking place on the sidelines at City's Etihad Stadium.
@Pepteam 🤝 @TedLasso
Available to stream now on @AppleTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/ketveT01R4— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 24, 2023
It was the rest of Guardiola's lines in his Ted Lasso cameo, however, that had some viewers cringing:
Don't worry about wins or losses. Just help these guys be the best version of themselves, on and off the pitch. This, at the end, is the most important thing.
It's hard to imagine relentless winner Pep Guardiola ever making such remarks, especially after such a crucial loss, with the Spaniard known to have kicked off on the sideline from time-to-time during his career.
Ted Lasso has no doubt been one of the better depictions of football on-screen, and has had some fantastic high points during its run, but even the most ardent fan couldn't have helped but double take at the depiction of Guardiola.
Some viewers took to social media to express their disbelief.
ironic that pep's saying that https://t.co/UFBbjvukfj
— sara (@ssahotchncr) May 26, 2023
Loser mentality from pep before the UCL and FA cup… https://t.co/MxzaMu4wOj
— Silva (@ThiagoSilva2025) May 25, 2023
I refuse to believe this show is something that exists https://t.co/qW91620CMF
— Carson Ritchie (@carsonritchie__) May 25, 2023
Was considering watching Ted Lasso but no chance after this. One of the most cringe inducing things I’ve ever laid my eyes on https://t.co/8J658hyuOj
— Josh 🏴 (@josh_bfc) May 25, 2023
this looks like a career mode cut scene also why are the subtitles on the left? https://t.co/lZikdwjEIb
— T1 🦏 (@BAEHELPT1) May 25, 2023
Pep won't be winning any Oscars! https://t.co/ICJOgTgjG0
— Shaun Whelan (@shaunwhelan__) May 25, 2023
Did Tes Lasso team win,if so then this is elite levek acting from Pep because he never takes defeat well 😂 https://t.co/rwTbL9sPX0
— GoalMouth (@GooalMouth) May 24, 2023
pep guardiola showing up on #TedLasso only for man city to lose 2-0 to richmond has sent me pic.twitter.com/4m5Aa279pT
— evie ✨ ted lasso spoilers (@spiralofcolors) May 24, 2023
if ted lasso was a serious show they would’ve included a pep moment like this when jamie scored the second goal pic.twitter.com/S1hMRVfFv5
— d (@eIysianfieId) May 24, 2023
pep guardiola in the recent ted lasso ep pic.twitter.com/TIuIdujKW7
— ✩ (@bmoplanet) May 25, 2023
We won't be expecting Pep Guardiola to be up for any Emmys or Golden Globes for his cameo on Ted Lasso, but we'd hazard a guess he'd very happily take this season's Premier League crown as a commiseration prize.
He also said that he had agreed to take part in the show due to his family being huge fans, so we suppose we can let him off the hook for this one.
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