Pep Guardiola is someone who does not shy away from big challenges. A serial winner, he has been one of the best managers in the modern football era. Guardiola’s drive and insistence to play football his way were met with criticism in his first year in charge of Manchester City. English football and it’s self-anointed advocates, who have been criticized for being reluctant to change and adapt in the past, were adamant that Pep couldn’t imbibe his style into the English game.
His first year at City was thoroughly underwhelming as the team failed to win even a single trophy and the gaffer was soon written off by various sections of the media. Guardiola’s rigid tactics and the niggling comments regarding the glitches in the English game was met with a hostile reception and understandably he failed to make too many fans in his first year in England.
Personally, it was a huge blow for Guardiola too as it was the first time in his career that the Catalan boss finished a season sans a trophy. A huge blow to his self-esteem and respect, Guardiola must have soon realized that it was all a moment of transition for the club. City have never been reluctant to spend heavily and this transfer market was one of the indicators that they can go toe to toe with the European superpowers both financially and as a desirable club with the requisite ambition and infrastructure.
Guardiola brought in excellent replacements in several positions and has developed a team that looks well determined and equipped to secure a treble this season. Moreover, Pep has done something that he craves so much. With two playmakers in central midfield, he has built a side that reminds the fans of the Barcelona team from 2008-12.
The manager’s free-flowing, smooth and fluid attacking football has been appreciated by various quarters of the country. It is probably the first time that England is witnessing the Catalan flair and creativity in one of its clubs and the fans are lapping it up.
Pep always wants to win the right way and has seemingly managed to instil his faith and beliefs into the team this season. As City look forward to winning a possible treble, Pep Guardiola would love to stay beyond his current three-year contract to build a dynasty at the club. Sheikh Mansour would want to have stability now onwards as the club looks to be in it’s best shape ever. Hence, reports of Pep Guardiola speaking of the possibility of setting up a dynasty at the club are extremely welcome and it is surely the best case scenario for City and the massive global outreach they are on the path of.
