Fans spot former Premier League stars appearing as extras in Ted Lasso episode alongside Pep Guardiola

After Pep Guardiola made his acting debut, football fans have spotted more familiar faces in the latest episode of hit TV series Ted Lasso.

The US comedy-drama starring Jason Sudeikis hit new heights this week, when the Manchester City boss made a guest appearance.

Season three, episode 11 saw fictional side AFC Richmond beat City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, with Guardiola given his own lines at the full-time whistle.

Speaking to Lasso on the touchline, Guardiola congratulates his fellow manager on a "good game". Lasso then responds: "I gotta be honest with ya, you’re a tough guy to beat, man."

Pep then responds: "Nah, don’t worry about the 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."

Guardiola's acting left a little to be desired but he wasn't the only famous face to feature in the episode though.

Eagle-eyed viewers spotted former Premier League players Jay Bothroyd and George Elokobi posing as City players when the teams walked out of the tunnel.

Bothroyd and Elokobi - who turned out for Queen's Park Rangers and Wolves respectively in the top flight - aren't the only former pros who have jumped at the chance to relive their playing days on the screen.

"Also a couple of others have appeared in the series, Lee Hendrie and Jermaine Pennant," one viewer pointed out on Twitter.

One fan of the show thought he had spotted another former Premier League star, asking: "Is that Winston Reid at the back too?"

The cast of Ted Lasso. (Image: Alamy)

Replying to an image of Bothroyd and Elokobi walking out of the tunnel posing as City players, another joked: "Gunna tell my kids this was De Bruyne and Haaland."

Unfortunately for Bothroyd, one viewer suggested that his acting career began many years ago.

"Saw Jay Bothroyd pose as a professional footballer for Sheffield Wednesday once. Wouldn't recommend it," he said.

The show has been a hit with UK audiences but it looks unlikely that the show will return for a fourth season.

So, if any directors out there have any work for Pep Guardiola or former Premier League stars...

Topics: Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Manchester City, Fan Reactions

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton