Former England manager hits out at Pep Guardiola over “arrogance” that cost him Champions League trophies | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has received criticism from one of England’s former managers over supposed “arrogance” shown when making tactical decisions during his career.

It comes amid a challenging period for Guardiola and his Manchester City side, who find themselves in the hunt for a place in European football next season after years of dominance in the English game.

Off the back of winning four Premier League titles in a row, Liverpool are now on the verge of claiming the league crown for the 2024/25 season, while City are battling to remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.

It is largely being viewed as a period of transition for Manchester City at present, who are likely to overhaul key areas of their playing squad under incoming director of football Hugo Viana in the summer, ending a staggering period of success for the club.

That era not only brought about unprecedented domestic success, but also continental and global triumphs with the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Champions League all arriving at the Etihad Stadium for the first time ever.

However, speaking during a new interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, former England boss Fabio Capello has hit out at Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola for the “arrogance” he has shown when making tactical decisions in big moments throughout his career.

Had it not been for this supposed “arrogance” when faced by big matches at crucial points of various seasons, Capello believes that Guardiola – and perhaps Manchester City – would have won lot a more on the European stage in particular.

“You know what I don’t like about (Pep) Guardiola? His arrogance,” Capello insisted. “The Champions League he won with City was the only one in which he didn’t try anything strange in the decisive matches.”

He continued, “But all the other years, in Manchester and Munich, on the key days he always wanted to be the protagonist. He changed things and made inventions to be able to say, ‘The players don’t win, I win’. And this arrogance has cost him several Champions Leagues.”

The 78-year-old Italian coach also hit out at Guardiola’s choice of playing style and how the entire game has revolved around the belief that there is no other way to play. Capello also revealed his delight that teams are trying their own methods.

“Everyone has spent 10 years trying to copy him (Pep Guardiola). I said, ‘Stop it, you don’t have Guardiola’s players!’ In addition, the absurd idea that playing well was just that was imposed,” he continued.

“Touch, touch, touch, touch, touch… Now, in Italian football the goalkeeper plays the ball! A disaster and a bore. Why will you see 90 minutes of horizontal passes without fighting, without running…?

“Luckily, football is changing. It has changed, mainly, Spain by winning the European Cup with two wingers and playing fast.”