Pep Guardiola is considered by many to be the greatest manager in the world. However, despite his legion of admirers, the Spaniard still has his fair share of critics who attack him for his failure to win in Europ since 2011.
During his time at Barcelona, the tactician enjoyed tremendous success and led the Blaugrana to two Champions League titles in three seasons. However, since leaving Camp Nou, the 48-year-old has come up short at both Bayern Munich and current club Man City.
The argument against the Barcelona icon is his success in Europe with the Liga giant was due solely to the talented crop of players he inherited, namely Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. Since leaving his home country, Pep has been exposed as a fraud due to his Champions League shortcomings in the eyes of his critics.
Speaking ahead of the Citizens clash, one reporter brought up this school of thought to the Man City boss and asked for his thoughts. Guardiola's response: they are completely right!
"I completely agree with them. Completely agree with them. I would not argue for one second because when I was there I said many times that I had incredible players," the manager said while smiling.
"I did as well with Munich and Manchester but in Barcelona, I was a lucky guy, I'm sorry, I was lucky. I agree with them."
Guardiola on the old "fraud" accusations, namely that he only won the Champions League because of Messi and the lads. I've kept the question in because fair play to the lad, it was delivered excellently. NB I don't think Guardiola believes this pic.twitter.com/A685Uwqvw6
— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) February 19, 2019
During his time at the Etihad, the Citizens crashed out in the round of 16 in his debut season and then were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Liverpool in the following campaign. However, the pressure to win the title has reached new heights as Aguero and Co. go in search of the quadruple.
Next up for the defending Premier League champion is a clash with Schalke. The English giant is in Germany preparing for Wednesday's first-leg tie, with a spot in the last-eight being at stake.
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