Pep Guardiola credits scouting for ‘80%’ of Manchester City’s success
Pep Guardiola believes scouting is Manchester City’s key department, with the manager rating it as “80%” of the team’s success.
Txiki Begiristain is responsible for recruitment, with Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Aymeric Laporte and Ederson among those bought under the sporting director.
“The most important department is the scouting department, much more than manager and players,” he said. “When Txiki Begiristain and [others] choose well, 80% is done. When they don’t, you spend a lot of time and energy [trying to redress this]. That’s my feeling.”
Ilkay Gündogan, another brought in under Begiristain, has impressed in the holding role this season with Rodri injured and Fernandinho having to cover in central defence. The German did likewise towards the end of last season and Guardiola admitted to being wrong about Gündogan’s ability to operate there.
“He’s so intelligent, one of the qualities I appreciate most,” Guardiola said. “He can play many roles and especially in that position – I didn’t expect it; I was wrong. We were unlucky in the first season [with his injuries]. I didn’t expect him to be so consistent as a holding midfielder. He’s exceptional.”Guardiola became convinced when forced to play Gündogan there. “It was last season,” he said. “Sometimes it happens when you don’t have an alternative. I didn’t realise how aggressive he is without the ball. Of course he’s not a typical holding midfielder. We didn’t have any doubts about him and his talent, [and] when Fernandinho was injured, he played there and was incredible in all aspects of the game.”
Eddie Jones is an admirer of Guardiola, England’s rugby union head coach, having drawn on some aspects of the Catalan’s training techniques. Guardiola is to invite Jones to City.
“We spoke once or twice,” he said. “He was so kind – it was a pleasure to see him and meet him. I’m a big fan but I don’t understand too much about the sport but I watch on TV. I have asked him how they can regenerate the players like they do after the games. It’s incredible – how can they survive? I cannot imagine. We spoke about sport, about life, nothing special.
“We didn’t spend too much time together but hopefully they can win and we can invite him and his staff to come here and we can talk more. It would be nice for all of us, especially me. So we wish them luck.”