Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opted for a diplomatic response after former Italy and Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello labeled him “arrogant” in a recent interview. Rather than engage in a war of words, the Spanish tactician acknowledged Capello’s comments but chose to downplay any controversy.
Guardiola’s Response to Capello’s Criticism
Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, Guardiola was asked about Capello’s remarks. The 53-year-old admitted he was aware of the Italian’s comments but responded with a lighthearted remark about his time in Serie A.
“I listen to everything that people say about me, so be careful. This isn’t the first time Mr. Fabio Capello has said something like this. But I’m not good enough to ruin Italian football. Italian football is far bigger than the way we play. A big hug for Fabio, a big hug.”
Guardiola’s statement subtly dismissed Capello’s claims while maintaining his characteristic composure.
What Did Fabio Capello Say About Guardiola?
In an interview with El Mundo, Capello launched a scathing critique of Guardiola’s football philosophy, accusing him of overcomplicating tactics in major games and attributing past Champions League failures to his supposed need for tactical innovation.
“You know what I don’t like about Guardiola? His arrogance. The Champions League he won with City is the only one where he didn’t try anything funny in the decisive matches. But all the other years, in Manchester and Munich, on key days, he always wanted to be the protagonist. He would change things and invent them so he could say: ‘It’s not the players who win, it’s me.’ And that arrogance cost him several Champions Leagues. I respect him, but for me, it’s clear.”
The former AC Milan and England manager also blamed Guardiola’s tactical influence for negatively affecting Italian football.
“Besides, even if it is no longer his fault, he has done a lot of harm to football. Because everyone spent ten years trying to copy him. It ruined Italian football, which lost its nature. I said: ‘Stop, you don’t have Guardiola’s players!’ There was also the absurd idea that that was all there was to do to play well. A disaster and also a boredom that made many people flee from football. They only have to watch the highlights—why are you going to watch 90 minutes of passes and horizontal passes without fighting?”
Capello’s critique suggests that Guardiola’s possession-based style, often emulated across Europe, led to a decline in the traditional intensity of Italian football.
Guardiola’s Impact on Modern Football
Despite Capello’s harsh words, Guardiola’s influence on the game is undeniable. Since taking charge of Barcelona in 2008, the Spaniard has revolutionized football with his tactical innovations, inspiring teams across Europe to adopt a more technical, possession-based approach.
With two Champions League titles at Barcelona and a historic treble-winning season at Manchester City in 2022-23, Guardiola’s record speaks for itself. He has won league titles in Spain, Germany, and England, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest managers in football history.
At Manchester City, Guardiola has overseen a period of domestic dominance, securing five Premier League titles in the last six seasons, while also guiding the club to its maiden UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023. His current campaign remains on track for another successful season, with City still competing on multiple fronts.
While Capello’s comments reflect an old-school perspective on football, Guardiola’s success proves the effectiveness of his philosophy. His response to the criticism was measured, choosing humor over confrontation. As Manchester City continues to chase further silverware this season, Guardiola will let his achievements on the pitch do the talking.
