Pep Guardiola has been lambasted time and time again over the years, but his latest piece of silverware is just further proof of his incredible leadership and talent when it comes to football management. If you disagree, then please read on.
The Spaniard takes risks and more often than not, they pay off.
He employed Messi in the now-famous ‘false nine’ role and he went on to score 47 goals that season.
He gave debuts to Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Thiago Alcantara.
He has become the first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win back to back Premier League trophies with a style of play English football has never seen before.
- A team had 96 points and didn’t win the league.
- A team had 97 points and didn’t win the league.
- What do they have in common? They faced Pep Guardiola teams.
- Breaking your record points tally might not be enough to win you the league when Pep is around.
Let’s be clear. We are talking about a coach who has revolutionised football, for giving those the opportunity to shine and employing them in the right roles, Phil Foden, for example, has flourished under his wing, adapting to his innovations and finding huge success as a result.
He has transformed the landscape of English football. No doubt. He struggled at first, but his philosophy soon rubbed off on Manchester City and they have since reaped the rewards.
Despite City winning the Premier League, not to mention the League Cup victory over Chelsea in February and the FA Cup, many have jumped on the ‘let’s slate Guardiola’ bandwagon, but I ask you step back, look at his overall record and come to a real conclusion.