Pep respond to Capello: "I’m not good enough to destroy Italian football"

Fabio Capello, the experienced football veteran, recently gave an interview to El Mundo. The Italian, now 78 years old, is one of the greatest coaching names of the past few decades, but clearly, he had several criticisms regarding the manager of the English champions.

In the interview, Capello stated that "arrogance prevented Guardiola from winning more titles in the Premier League." The Italian suggested that Pep was excessively arrogant because he wanted to prove that his tactics were behind Manchester City's success. He also mentioned that Guardiola "destroyed Italian football" by inspiring managers to imitate his possession-based style, without having the right players for it. Guardiola has won six Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy with the Citizens, but he was highly inspired by the responses from the seasoned Italian.

"To mention that great manager, one from a group of exceptional ones, Fabio Capello. I wouldn't say it's arrogant, but we helped raise the bar in the Premier League. Teams have to go to the transfer market, right? People want to do good things, they're well-organized, have strong structures, make good decisions, and there are good players everywhere. I went to Bournemouth at first, now it's different there. I also went to Brighton, now it's different there. The same with Fulham, it's different there too. I’ve been here as the oldest manager for nine years. I know the evolution of the Premier League, it’s been massive. It’s incredible how much everyone has changed, and that’s really good for the Premier League," says Guardiola.

Capello also said that "Guardiola's desire to be the protagonist led to unsuccessful tactical decisions in important matches." What should be considered is that Guardiola played for Roma during the period when Capello was the coach, and the Italian manager struggled to find the right position for him on the field. Guardiola was asked to comment on these tactical remarks, and he was very clear on the matter.

"I listen to everything people say about me, absolutely everything, so be careful! It's not the first time Capello has said that. I’m not good enough to destroy Italian football, that’s very important. A big hug to Fabio," laughed Pep. His team is fighting for a Champions League spot, with City currently in fifth place with 47 points, while Brighton is seventh, just one point behind. Therefore, the upcoming match at the Etihad will be of special importance for both teams.

"I don’t feel regret or disappointment, we simply didn’t deserve to be there. No one needs to explain to me how special this competition is. Now we deserve to sit on the couch with a glass of wine. I hope we’ll be better, qualify for the next cycle, and be better on the field," said the manager of the English champions and then praised Brighton.

"I think Brighton is one of the best-organized clubs, both on and off the field. There are many teams in the middle or elsewhere, but they’ve made an incredible leap in terms of perseverance and organization, that’s the reality. There’s no secret, they’re there because they’ve done good things, they deserve to be high on the table."

On the other hand, Brighton will face City without fear. The club from the south of England won 2-1 at the Amex in November, and manager Fabian Hurzeler leads Guardiola in head-to-head victories. Asked if he would maintain or extend that advantage, he said he didn’t believe so, but emphasized that it wasn’t about him or Guardiola, but about the clubs.

"Maybe Guardiola is the greatest manager in the world, regardless of the problems this season. As I said, for me, the most important thing is the success of the club. It’s not about me playing against the best manager in the world, it’s about Brighton playing against City," said Hurzeler. Since the beginning of February, Manchester City has recorded five defeats and four wins in all competitions, while Brighton has secured five wins, a draw, and one loss during the same period.

German coach won’t be able to count on captain Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman, and Mathew O’Riley, but Tariq Lamptey returns to the team after suspension. City still can’t rely on Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Rodri, and Oscar Bobb.

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY 29

Saturday

18:00: (2.15) Everton (3.35) West Ham (3.80)

18:00: (3.90) Ipswich (3.50) Nott.Forest (2.05)

18:00: (1.70) Man.City (4.35) Brighton (4.70)

18:00: (3.60) Southampton (3.45) Wolverhampton (2.05)

20:30: (1.80) Bournemouth (4.10) Brentford (4.40)

Sunday

16:30: (1.85) Arsenal (3.70) Chelsea (4.60)

16:30: (2.10) Fulham (3.60) Tottenham (3.60)

22:00: (4.50) Leicester (3.50) Man.Utd. (1.83)

***odds are subject to change***