FOWLER Pep’s got it wrong, but he’s not afraid of change. It’s why this good City team is turning into a great one
And that’s why the City manager will be able to mould this outstanding group of players into winners. Offensively, City have players who, on any given day, can win a game. But what I really like about them is that the manager has instilled in them a team ethic. So, as much as they have got unbelievably top-class players that can win games on their own, they are also a well-disciplined unit, who have completely gelled. Yes, there are great individuals – Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero. Talented players in their own right, but I believe they have all come on in leaps and bounds because they play as part of a team. You have to give the manager so much credit for achieving that. The players have bought into it and are prepared to do the tough things as well. Football isn’t just about fantastic, attacking play, it’s about putting in the hard miles. Winners do all that. They work just as hard defensively as offensively. Importantly, they have solved a weakness surrounding the goalkeeping position. Again, for that, you have to admire Guardiola.
He had looked at Manchester City before he arrived and decided they needed a new goalkeeper.
He left Joe Hart out and went and brought in Claudio Bravo.
After a short time, he realised it wasn’t working, so he went out and bought a new one, Ederson.
That tells you something about him.
Regardless of whether they are winning, he’s done something about that position in the team.
Some managers would have brushed it aside, having spent the cash to improve things.
He wasn’t scared to admit he’d made a mistake and go again.
And, for me, that is absolute class. He’s a perfectionist, who won’t settle for second best.
City are great to watch, easy on the eye, score goals, but, defensively, they are a lot more solid than they were.
Up front, Aguero is a class player.
I t helps when you are tactically very good and very astute.
But also, when you are playing with so many good players around you, you know you are going to get more chances. Set up Aguero and, eight times out of 10, you know there is a goal coming. Fair play to the boss – and to Aguero – because, when Pep first came, I don’t think he looked upon Sergio as his ideal striker. Now, he looks brilliant under Guardiola. He’s on a good run of goals, eight in his last nine games. Everything about him looks good. Also, we have already mentioned the work ethic and his seems to have improved under the present manager. He is now more of a complete player. Aguero was still very good before Guardiola arrived, but, under him, I believe he has gone up a notch. Raheem Sterling, for me, has always been a good player. At times, he let himself down with his final decisionmaking, but he has worked hard on his game and improved. Even though he is still young in years, he is now a more experienced player. Also, Raheem would have looked around at the players he is alongside and would know that, if he doesn’t produce, City would just bring somebody else in.
He knew he had to up his game and, fair play to him, he has.
Who wouldn’t want to be part of this set-up under Pep?
I love man-managers who have got a bit about them and, in that respect, he ticks every box.
He is tactically and technically superb. But his man-management skills are unbelievable.
You can see how much the City stars enjoy playing for him.
Every player in world football, or who has ever played, would love to be part of something like that.
Imagine the joy of playing for a team who are expansive, a team who are always scoring goals, who have got an unbelievable manager.
But, hopefully, Liverpool can still beat them today!
They will be going into the game quietly optimistic because of their recent, encouraging performances.
This has the makings of a real classic game – top, top players, which should guarantee goals.
Hopefully, today will turn out to be one of the reasons we all love football.
The fact that many people can’t predict the final result shows how far Liverpool have come recently.
Both teams have been playing well and, on their day, either of them can beat anyone else in the Premier League.
You can see how much the City stars enjoy playing for him