No matter how this year turns out, there’s no doubt that Guardiola has transformed City into a top-echelon club.
Courtesy: Daily Mail
When Pep Guardiola arrived in England some fans questioned whether he’d repeat the success he had enjoyed in Spain and Germany. That’s because he had a difficult assignment–bringing new ideas and methods designed to give City an identity and to elevate the club’s status.
Now that we’ve seen what he can do, it’s obvious that Guardiola has enabled ManCity to play the kind of football he craves. His team has become a thorn in the flesh of Premiership teams.
To be fair, Guardiola had a disappointing debut season. But his second season is quite different.
Guardiola inherited an aging squad and he quickly identified the full backs and attacking positions as areas for improvement. With the backing of his board, the Spaniard secured quality signings. Walker, Mendy, and Danilo provided attacking width that had been missing.
His defenders are now very comfortable with the ball on their feet. They have the ability to retain possession and play out from the back. His midfield is compact and solid.
It’s clear that the likes of David Silva and De Bryune are highly gifted. The duo has been sensational this season, especially in their ability to press high in the opposition half. They also spread passes with ease.
What impresses me most about Guardiola is the way he sets up his team.
Guardiola’s approach is so effective that it enables his attacking players to dictate play in the opposition box. With superb vision, his forward players have the ability to open up the defence. And his side is ruthless with a killer instinct in front of the goal.
Guardiola’s strongest weapon is his side’s ball-retention technique. His team’s ability to hold onto a possession creates room to hit teams on the break. The wide players have the ability to press high in the opposition half and attack spaces with their dazzling runs.
What makes Guardiola different from other Premier League managers is his ability to kill off games by restricting teams on their own half … until he makes a breakthrough. Guardiola’s tactic is designed to weaken teams by regaining possession as quickly as possible. And this team keeps its offensive and defensive shape intact at all times.
While Man City has shown massive improvement under Guardiola, it remains to be seen whether his side has the nerves to maintain its blistering form til season’s end. The Premier League is unpredictable. There have been situations where teams have opened up a wide gap at the top of the league table, but then didn’t win the title. This year, you can’t write off the likes of United, Spurs, and Chelsea.
“We are worried, but eight points in the Premier League is not the same as eight points in La Liga or the Bundesliga.” Jose Mourinho
But no matter how this year turns out, there’s no doubt that Guardiola has transformed City into a top-echelon club. Players have responded to Guardiola’s demands and fans hope that a major trophy will be the reward for playing beautiful football.
