Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed Fabio Capello’s criticism that he is “arrogant,” instead asserting that City’s dominance under his leadership has forced the Premier League to improve.
Capello, the former England, AC Milan, and Real Madrid manager, told Spanish newspaper El Mundo this week that Guardiola’s “arrogance has cost him several Champions League titles.” The 78-year-old Italian also claimed Guardiola was “way too arrogant and presumptuous” because he wanted to prove his tactics were the key to City’s success.
Capello further accused the Spaniard of “ruining” Italian football, arguing that many managers tried to imitate his possession-based style without having players of the required quality.
In response, Guardiola defended his record, having guided City to six Premier League titles and last season’s historic Champions League triumph. He also suggested that his influence has raised the level of competition across English football.
“Naming one of the big managers, one of the exceptional managers, in Fabio Capello – it doesn’t look like it’s arrogant, I would say, but we helped to raise the bar in the Premier League,” Guardiola said.
“The teams had to go to the transfer markets, right? People want to do good, people are well-organised, have good structures, make good decisions, have good players everywhere.
“I went to Bournemouth in the beginning, and now it’s different. I went in the beginning to Brighton, and now it’s different. And I went to Fulham in the beginning, and now it’s different.
“I’ve been here, I’m an old guy, I’m the oldest manager here, nine years. I know the evolution of the Premier League has been massive. It’s incredible how they’ve changed and it’s good, really good, for the Premier League.”
Capello argued that Guardiola’s desire to be the “protagonist” had led him to make unnecessary tactical or selection decisions in key Champions League games, ultimately costing City more European titles.
This is not the first time Guardiola and Capello have clashed. Their footballing philosophies differed significantly when Guardiola played under the Italian at Roma more than two decades ago, with Capello often struggling to find a role for him in his team.
When asked directly about Capello’s latest remarks, Guardiola responded with a brief but pointed comment:
“I listen to everything that people say about me, everything, so be careful!” he said. “It’s not the first time Mr Fabio Capello has said that. I’m not good enough to ruin Italian football, it is very important. A big hug for Fabio.”
Source: Linda Ikeji Blog
