Manchester City failed again in the Champions League
It hasn’t been three weeks since that Manchester City once again in the Champions League failed, this time dramatically, in the semifinals against Real Madrid. In the second leg, a late collapse and the inevitable Karim Benzema meant the end and fueled the eternal debate as to whether Guardiola could only conquer Europe’s crown with FC Barcelona.
He did that as a coach in 2009 and 2011. At Manchester City his most important mission, winning the premier class, is still unfulfilled. In addition, the collapse in the second leg was interpreted by parts of the English public as an indication of a lack of a winning mentality. A season without a single trophy would have been a debacle for the Sheikh Club.
Media celebrate Pep Guardiola after fourth Premier League title
After the fourth Premier Leaguetitle in five years – only Sir Alex Ferguson had previously achieved that in England – experts are again full of praise for Guardiola. “Pep is one of the greatest coaches ever. His team has been so consistent over the years“said Sky Sports expert Roy Keane, ex-captain of Manchester United.
His TV colleague Micah Richards, a former Manchester City-Defender, has begged Guardiola to extend his contract, which expires next year, which seems increasingly likely. The end of the Champions League was almost forgotten after the success in the championship final. And can a team coming back from a 0-2 loss in the crucial game of the season really have mental issues?
Gündogan substitution as a stroke of genius
That a substitution the game against AstonVilla turned, namely that of Ilkay Gündogan for Bernardo Silva in the 68th minute, should be an additional pleasure for Guardiola. He has coached important games involving strange, unnecessarily complicated personnel decisions on a number of occasions in the past, most notably in the Champions League. Bringing Gündogan was a stroke of genius.
With the ex-Dortmunder was Manchester City more dynamic and had more pull towards the goal. In his two goals, he played to a strength discovered under Guardiola – namely that he dusted off at the far post. For the new season Manchester City a real center forward again when Erling Haaland comes from Borussia Dortmund.
There is debate as to whether he is the right man for Guardiola’s system, which is why the manager, as a precautionary measure, asked for patience in the run-up to the season finale. However, the general expectation is that Manchester City becomes even more merciless with Haaland.
Guardiola praises Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool FC
When Guardiola appeared in front of the press after the successful conclusion of the season, it was important for him to praise pursuers Liverpool. “The size of our performance has to do with the size of our opponent. I’ve never had a rival like this as a player and as a coach“Said Guardiola. He maintains a cordial relationship with his German colleague Jürgen Klopp, but had recently indicated how much the competitor from River Mersey annoying.
All of England would want Liverpool to win the championship, Guardiola had complained. That is objectively not tenable, but the championship should therefore also be a special satisfaction for Manchester City’s be a coach.