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.

RodionRomanovitch · 56-60, M

@Cierzo 'I hope ManUtd wins the Premier this year' ..... why?

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@Cierzo Man United look easily the best team so far and Jose always seems to get a title in his second full season. I think they will do it. I don't like him either but you have to respect what he does, having won Champions Leagues and titles in different countries.

Guardiola has spent more money and has a better team on paper. He hasn't learned from his mistakes though; been playing players out of position and getting shaky wins against weaker teams. He has also semi-ostracised Aguero who is one of their best players but can't play as a false 9. City will be top four and probably at least second because of their players, though I don't see them winning the league. Guardiola is unsackable because of his stellar reputation earned at Barcelona though.

RodionRomanovitch · 56-60, M

@Burnley123 Utd won their first three games last year too .... then look what happened. The sides they've met so far have been dire.

Cierzo · M

@RodionRomanovitch I have always liked them. I know you support their rivals 😄.
Most of all, I don't want ManCity or Paris St.Germain to win anything at all.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@Cierzo The Spanish football association have complained to UEFA about FFP breaches by both City and PSG. They are damn right to do so.

RodionRomanovitch · 56-60, M

@Burnley123 PSG are under investigation already , but not City.

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 ;-)