Pep Guardiola has joked that his critics have to “watch out” after managerial nice Fabio Capello mentioned the Manchester Metropolis boss’s “vanity” had “value him a number of Champions Leagues”.
European champion Capello praised Guardiola however claimed the Spaniard “got here to inform me how I ought to do my job” when he was a participant beneath the Italian at Roma and “at all times wished to be the primary character” for crucial matches of his tenures at Bayern Munich and Metropolis.
“I hearken to every part folks say about me, so watch out,” Guardiola quipped when he was requested concerning the remarks, pointing his fingers in direction of his eyes to mime remark.
“I’m controlling you. It’s not the primary time that Mr Fabio Capello has mentioned that. A giant hug for Fabio – an enormous hug.”
🎙️| Pep Guardiola on Fabio Capello’s feedback and calling Pep ‘conceited’:
“I hearken to every part that folks say about me. The whole lot. So watch out. 🤣🤫
🎥 by way of @BeanymanSports pic.twitter.com/BRrj66n4MA
— Metropolis HQ (@City_HQs) March 14, 2025
What did Capello say about Guardiola?
Chatting with Spanish outlet El Mundo, Capello mentioned he “actually appreciated Guardiola as a coach” and credited the 54-year-old with attaining “stunning issues”.
“I’ve skilled three revolutions in soccer, roughly one each 20 years: [Johan] Cruyff’s Ajax, [Arrigo] Sacchi’s Milan and Guardiola’s [Barcelona],” mentioned Capello, whose titles included Serie A 4 occasions with Milan and as soon as with Roma, the 1993/94 Champions League with the Rossoneri and La Liga twice with Actual Madrid.
“In the future, he got here to inform me how I ought to do my job, and I replied: ‘Begin operating, after which you’ll be able to speak.’ The actual fact is, he would stroll across the pitch, and I had no intention of taking part in him as an alternative of somebody who deserved it extra.
“Have you learnt what I don’t like about Guardiola? His vanity. The Champions League he gained with Metropolis [in 2023] was the one one the place he didn’t attempt something unusual within the decisive matches.
“However in different years, in Manchester and Munich, on essential days, he at all times wished to be the primary character. He modified issues and made innovations simply so he may say: ‘The gamers don’t win, I win.’
“That vanity value him a number of Champions Leagues. I respect him, however I see it clearly.”
Capello mentioned Guardiola’s techniques at Barcelona, with whom he grew to become European champion in 2009 and 2011, had prompted “huge injury to soccer”.
“Why?” the previous England supervisor requested. “As a result of everybody spent 10 years attempting to repeat him. This ruined Italian soccer, which misplaced its identification. I saved saying: ‘Cease now – you don’t have Guardiola’s gamers.’
Capello mentioned the idea of gamers taking numerous touches throughout video games was “a catastrophe” and “a bore that scared many individuals away from soccer”.
“Simply take a look at the highlights,” he steered. “Why watch 90 minutes of passing and passing sideways with out battles, with out operating?”
Sights set on the Seagulls 💪 pic.twitter.com/cf3HiIDBVC
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) March 11, 2025
Man Metropolis vs Brighton: Champions League berth ‘a problem’
Fifth-placed Metropolis host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (3pm GMT), when solely victory will transfer them above fourth-placed Chelsea.
The in-form Seagulls will leapfrog Metropolis in the event that they win at Etihad Stadium for the primary time of their historical past, and Guardiola named Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Newcastle and “perhaps Fulham” as contenders to ensure a Champions League place by ending within the prime 4.
“They deserve it,” he mentioned of Metropolis’s rivals for qualification. “They’re actually good and constant, they’ve unbelievable weapons in the way in which they play.
“It’s not a disappointment to be right here, it’s a problem. If we qualify for the Champions League, it is going to be an enormous success. There are seasons in life and sport that it’s important to dwell [through].”
An additional spot in subsequent season’s competitors seems to be more likely to be awarded to the group ending fifth due to England’s coefficient factors, that are primarily based on how groups from every nation carry out in European competitions.
PEP 💬 I feel Brighton is likely one of the greatest golf equipment engaged on and off the pitch. I feel they begin with Graham Potter, they make a step, then De Zerbi, and now with this distinctive younger supervisor who’s doing extremely good issues. pic.twitter.com/zK3wDeQk83
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) March 14, 2025
Guardiola on Grealish England omission
Playmaker Jack Grealish, who has not began a league sport since December 21, was omitted of latest England supervisor Thomas Tuchel’s first squad on Friday.
Grealish was referred to as up by Tuchel’s predecessor, Lee Carsley, however missed out on the earlier Three Lions squad, in November, by means of harm.
“I can not decide the explanation why,” Guardiola mentioned of Tuchel’s choice, including that Grealish had skilled properly. “I want [Grealish] all one of the best on and off the pitch.”