- Pep Guardiola dismisses Fabio Capello’s claim that his “arrogance” has cost Manchester City multiple Champions League titles.
- The Man City boss defends his tactical approach, insisting his success has raised Premier League standards.
- Guardiola acknowledges City’s challenging season as they fight for a top-four finish in the league.
Pep Guardiola has hit back at Fabio Capello’s claim that he is “arrogant,” asserting that Manchester City’s dominance under his leadership has elevated the standard of competition in the Premier League.
Capello, the former England, AC Milan, and Real Madrid manager, recently told Spanish newspaper El Mundo that Guardiola’s “arrogance has cost him several Champions League titles.” The 78-year-old Italian further accused the City boss of being “too arrogant and presumptuous” in his belief that his tactical philosophy was the primary reason for City’s sustained success.
Additionally, Capello blamed Guardiola for “ruining” Italian football, arguing that many coaches attempted to replicate his fluid, possession-based approach without having the necessary quality of players.
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Guardiola, however, remains unapologetic about his record, having led City to six Premier League titles and their first-ever Champions League trophy since his arrival in 2016. The Spaniard insists that the level of the Premier League has significantly improved during his tenure, with more teams—including Saturday’s opponents, Brighton—posing a serious challenge for a top-four finish this season.
Despite winning the previous four Premier League titles, City have struggled this campaign and currently sit in fifth place.
“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.”
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Capello claimed that Guardiola’s desire to “always be the protagonist” led him to make unnecessary tactical and selection decisions in crucial matches, which ultimately backfired.
This is not the first time the two have had differences. Their contrasting footballing philosophies clashed when Guardiola played under Capello at Roma more than 20 years ago. Struggling to fit the Spaniard into his pragmatic system, Capello often left him out of the team.
When asked about Capello’s remarks, Guardiola kept his response brief.
“I listen to everything people say about me—everything—so be careful!” he quipped.
He added, “It’s not the first time Mr. Fabio Capello has said that. I’m not good enough to ruin Italian football; it’s very important. A big hug for Fabio.”
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