Oleksandr Zinchenko has been forced to clarify comments made by his wife regarding Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
It was another disappointing season for the Premier League runners-up in Europe as they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Lyon - a side whom they were expected to defeat comfortably.
Guardiola has been the main focus of criticism for the loss due to his tactical tinkering, with the Spaniard once again being accused of overthinking team set up in a key fixture.
Zinchenko's new bride, Vlada Sedan, didn't hold back in her criticism of the City manager.
“You saw what happened. I'm not a football player, not a coach, not a critic or an analyst. I understand that my opinion is not authoritative," she said on her YouTube channel.
“Perhaps I have no right to say this, and perhaps Zinchenko will forbid me, but to put it mildly, in order not to swear, this is completely Guardiola's fault.
“At such a crucial moment, using such an experimental tactic for City was a bummer. I have no right to criticise, but why play three central defenders?
“I simply have no words because to have such a line-up. Look at the players City have, what a bench. Literally on a few clubs in the world can boast having such players at substitutes.”
Now, Zinchenko has reacted quickly to the attention the comments have generated, and has democratically defended both Sedan and Guardiola.
“Guys, I need to say a few things about this interview," he wrote on Instagram.
“First of all, I didn't say anything bad or judgmental about our tactics so don't confuse my words please. I was explaining that we as players understand the effects tactics have and how given we have such great experience, we can adapt to the tactics we are given.
“On the night we lost to Lyon that doesn't mean the manager was wrong to try. If you have seen my interviews in the past and the way how I talk about our manager then you can believe me. He is No 1.
“Second one about my wife. Although she is a journalist, she is also a fan. During the season she was travelling with us for all away and home games because she is a massive City fan! In the video you can see her emotions straight after the game and she gave an opinion like all fans do because she wanted us to do better.
“We totally understand now that she shouldn't post it in the social media because she is my wife but she was not trying to make a journalist's opinion of the manager of the team, she was simply reacting to her disappointment as a fan.
“I'm writing right now from my wedding and instead of enjoying that unbelievable moment. I have to do this because I can't leave it like that. I hope you understand.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko 
Man City 
