Is Pepe Guardiola massively over-rated?

A lot of sports journalists see Guardiola as a genius coach but 'Pepball' has got average to poor results against teams with comparable rosters. When Messi, Xavi and Iniesta were at the peak of their powers, there was no comparable roster. Anyone could win the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and Pep failed in the Champions League; losing in three consecutive seasons to three Spanish teams, all before the final. Also, see Manchester City's defeat to Monaco last season and their finishing a weak third in the league.

City could win the league this season and indeed they should because they have the best squad, not because Guardiola actually adds any value. His team are a slightly upgraded version of Arsenal; too good for inferior teams but always destined to struggle against sides with similar talent. Whether you love him or loathe him; Mourinho is a better coach and Man Utd will probably win this year's EPL.

Is this too harsh?

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Cierzo · M

I agree with your opinion. I would add that previous Barcelona trainer, Frank Rijkaard (both a great player and coch) had already set the foundations of a great team.

I am not a fan of Mourinho's whiny attitude, but I hope ManUtd wins the Premier this year.

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Cierzo · M

@Burnley123 I am glad they did. European football cannot become a toy for Qatar and UAE.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

Maybe they should be though. Lets face it, FFP is a joke.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@RodionRomanovitch [quote]The sides they've met so far have been dire.
[/quote]

Yeah we won't know how good they really are until they visit Turf Moor ;-)

RodionRomanovitch · 56-60, M

He'll soon realise that you don't win games in the Prem with a team full of superstars ...... starting Saturday when we give them a good hiding. (again) 😉

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RodionRomanovitch · 56-60, M

@Burnley123 If he plays a high back line we'll destroy them within half an hour. I doubt he's so stupid as to try that again though.

I think you're probably right about a lot of goals , should be a cracker.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@RodionRomanovitch [quote]I doubt he's so stupid as to try that again though.[/quote]

Pep is not stupid, he just knows better than everyone else. It's not stubbornness either, just determined adherence to the 'perfect' way of playing; which maximises his side's potential to pass in pretty triangles and have 70% of possession. It's not his fault if teams beat them on the counter-attack, it's his player's fault for not being as technically perfect as Pep's coaching. 😜

RodionRomanovitch · 56-60, M

@Burnley123 lol !

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

😂 lol Mourinho's career, beautifully summed up.
Uniao de Leiria ? The other club he managed before Porto ?

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@Picklebobble2 Yes well done.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

😱[b]Controversial[b] (slightly upgraded version of Arsenal...😂)

I think he inherited a team that was successful, not sure he's ever built/trained one of his own !

Mourinho ?.....has done it with other sides ! But again, if he could do it with West Ham or Everton or West Brom the feat would be that much more impressive than spending billions buying in

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@Picklebobble2 Well Mourinho did work his way up tbf. He did well at a small Portuguese club whose name I forget. Also won the Champions League with Porto, which is the last time a side from outside the top four leagues won it.

I think Mourinho does add value. He improves things in the first season, wins trophies in the second... and then spontaneously combusts in the third or fourth. 😂

Cierzo · M

@Burnley123 Mourinho is like mobile phones. After two years, look for a replacement.

thatscottishguy · 26-30, M

He is.

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