Pep Guardiola has responded to Fabio Capello’s latest criticism, making it clear that he believes his impact on English football is undeniable. The Manchester City manager insisted he has “raised the bar” in the Premier League, despite ongoing scrutiny.
The tension between the two has existed since Capello managed Guardiola at Roma in 2002. Over the years, their relationship has remained strained, with the Italian coach frequently taking jabs at Guardiola’s managerial approach.
Earlier this season, when City endured a rough patch of just one win in 13 games, Capello reignited their feud. Speaking on Sky Italia, the former AC Milan and England boss accused Guardiola of being “way too arrogant and presumptuous” in his tactical decisions.
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Although City have managed to steady their campaign, they are still struggling for consistency. Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, they have only the FA Cup as their remaining shot at silverware this season.
Last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest added to Guardiola’s challenges. In response, Capello told El Mundo that while Guardiola’s tactics are impressive, his influence has “caused enormous damage” to Italian football by inspiring misguided imitations.
When questioned about these comments ahead of City’s match against Brighton, Guardiola made his awareness clear. “I listen to everything that people say about me, so be careful,” he remarked.
Dismissing Capello’s claim with sarcasm, Guardiola added, “It’s not the first time Mr. Fabio Capello has said that. I’m not good enough to ruin Italian football. A big hug to Fabio. A big hug.”
This response follows Guardiola’s trend of using “Mr.” when addressing individuals with whom he has had issues. Notably, he has done the same with Joao Cancelo, Yaya Touré’s agent Dimitri Seluk, and Manchester City supporters’ club secretary Kevin Parker.
The sarcasm continued when Guardiola discussed the evolution of the Premier League. He acknowledged how much English football has changed during his tenure, especially with mid-table teams now competing for top spots.
“I don’t want to pretend to be, and naming again one of the big managers, one of the exceptional managers in Fabio Capello, and look arrogant, but we helped raise the bar in the Premier League,” he stated.
According to Guardiola, his influence has forced clubs to improve. “Teams had to go to the markets, and that helps people. People want to do good, people are well-organized, have good structures, good decisions, good players everywhere.”
He highlighted how clubs like Bournemouth, Brighton, and Fulham have transformed. Since his arrival, they have gone from Championship sides to serious contenders for European football.
“I’ve been here when I went to Bournemouth in the beginning, and now it’s different. And when I went in the beginning in Brighton, and now it’s different. And when I went in Fulham in the beginning, and now it’s different.”
Having spent nine years at City, Guardiola considers himself one of the league’s longest-serving figures. “I’m an old guy, I’m the oldest manager here, nine years. So I know the evolution of the Premier League has been massive,” he concluded.
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