Pep Guardiola - 2025/26

[OB1]

Agree. Football is probably the biggest arena for the Dunning Kruger theory in the world. People who have never kicked a ball ranting about decisions made by a man who is arguably the greatest manager of the modern era. I made the mistake of dropping into the pre-match thread before the game last night and took a second to mock them. There were loads.

Even when decisions don't work I trust Pep's reasons for making them. He is great for many many reasons and tactics are just one of them. He also looks at the bigger picture in terms of the team: who needs game time, who needs a kick up the arse, who needs a run of games for form, who needs confidence etc etc. These ranters have zero knowlege of any of this but don't seem to be even aware. They are so ignorant of football that they don't even know they are ignorant of it. The guy above doubling down on nonsense which has been proved to be nonsense is a great example.

That thread after the Spurs game is quite something to read in retrospect. I enjoyed it in a macabre way.

"an overhaul is absolutely needed

this team is a busted flush.......it is too imbalanced and lightweight - with zero drive and fight

Compare Kompany, Yaya, Zabba, Prime Aguero and Ferna to what we have now -- they simply dont compare

Rodri is a consistent problem and the other option is no better
No let back for 3 seasons
B.Silva going backwards
Mahrez should be sold immediately

Our inverted wingers are a huge negative and our high fullbacks are not causing the opposition any issues BUT causing us all sorts of problems

Lots of possession and create very very little of note.

This was coming last season and now its well and truly imbedded .........it was constantly talked about in the sumer transfer threads that we needed more -we got the centre half but Torres hasnt replaced a peak Sane and wont, our midfield is wide open with Ferna now too old to start and leaving either an option fo GUndogan or Rodri (both who are shit)....an ageing Aguero not replaced and Mahrez stinking out the place nearly everytime he steps on the field

We won finish top 4 this season -not even close Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea ,Leicester all clearly better than us.

we are nearer to utd's level than we are to those 4"

Every single sentence turned out to be totally and utterly wrong.

I have had a few differences of opinion with the poster you have quoted there but that is an astonishingly bad take.

 

[eastmanc]

Not making any great claims for my own opinions but I will stand by the one that a lot of people that post on social medai about football do not have much of a clue but think they do and give the impression of knowing better than Pep.

And people often do not seem to learn.

Pep is not perfect; no one is. However, I can think of few people who understand the game and can analyse it like Pep. He has one of the finest football brains of all time and was mentored by the genius that was Johan Cryuff.

People are entitled to their opinions and we wouldn't be on here if we didn't want to chat football / City but if you want a learned assessment of City, listen to Pep's press conferences: that is where you will get the best view (in amongst a load of pap due to the poverty of the questions raised by most of the comic writers). Pep even mentioned all the idiots he knew would be wringing their hands over his team selection last night, where he yet again proved who knows best. The most interesting bit was when he talked about positional play and pass selection in the 2nd half. One of the reasons City are so good is because of the coaching they get from Pep and his insight that he shares with them.

I had serious misgivings about the team selection last night, again he proved me wrong, which I was very happy about. Pep has forgotten more than most football fans/ pundits will ever know.

 

[Bluewonder]

The thing I really don't get aren't so much those that might have had a few doubt whether he had the energy to go again, it's those that were so convinced despite his record since he started managing that he'd been found out and football had moved on ,left him behind and he should have gone after the treble. That he shouldn't be allowed and hadn't earned the trust to rebuild a new team to take us forward. Stating opinions like he'd stick to the old players and didn''t fancy Gonzalez or Khusonov as facts.
Some of those posters have been repeating those things throughout his tenure as well, when we have any bad patches.For one or two they've seemingly wanted him to fail and be gone since he arrived.

The worst thing was the nonsense posted by these numpties through the Spring, at which stage we were consistently near the top of the form table and it was clear to anyone with eyes (and a brain) that we were improving again. My personal favourites were:

Pep won't pick the new guys because he has his favourites (what?)

The game has left him behind

He's resembling Arsene Wenger now

We should get rid of him because he'll be leaving in two years anyway (WTF)

Slating him for picking HAALAND at Southampton

 

[OB1]

The thing I really don't get aren't so much those that might have had a few doubt whether he had the energy to go again, it's those that were so convinced despite his record since he started managing that he'd been found out and football had moved on ,left him behind and he should have gone after the treble. That he shouldn't be allowed and hadn't earned the trust to rebuild a new team to take us forward. Stating opinions like he'd stick to the old players and didn''t fancy Gonzalez or Khusonov as facts.
Some of those posters have been repeating those things throughout his tenure as well, when we have any bad patches.For one or two they've seemingly wanted him to fail and be gone since he arrived.

There was a rumour that if Nico and Khus had played any more games last season, additional transfer fees would apply and, by that time, Pep would have been right too think that he could do what he needed to without triggering those additional costs. I have no idea if it is true but it is more believable than claims that he did not rate them, which is different to the possibility that he thought other players were better suited / more bedded in to how he wanted them to play than Nico and Khus.

We do know that playing for City asks a lot of players and that they have a lot to absorb and the best person to judge when to use them is Pep.

Nico is absolutely blossoming at the moment and I have no doubt part of the reason for that is that he is listening to Pep’s coaching (and Rodri’s, it seems).

Lot’s of people are on Savinho’s back but Pep is playing him consistently at the moment and, what ever his reasons for that, one will be that he rates him and sees things of value in doing so. If as a supporter you (not you) do not understand why he is playing Sav, you just need to remind yourself that you probably don’t understand because our manager operates at a very different level to you and he has proved time and again that he knows better.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

The thing I really don't get aren't so much those that might have had a few doubt whether he had the energy to go again, it's those that were so convinced despite his record since he started managing that he'd been found out and football had moved on ,left him behind and he should have gone after the treble. That he shouldn't be allowed and hadn't earned the trust to rebuild a new team to take us forward. Stating opinions like he'd stick to the old players and didn''t fancy Gonzalez or Khusonov as facts.
Some of those posters have been repeating those things throughout his tenure as well, when we have any bad patches.For one or two they've seemingly wanted him to fail and be gone since he arrived.

I was going to post something similar.

How many managers have "had Pep's number" since he arrived?
How many times have be "got no plan B"?
How often did he "Not make subs quicker"?
He's been a busted flush, he's been found out, he's been left behind, he's been too nice to the opposition, too repspectful of other managers, too loyal, too stubburn, has had "brainfarts".

We've had it all on here since day one. I don't actually think these people want him to fail, I think they just don't understand football and become paranoid and fearful after a bad result or two.

The flip side is that I know a lot of City fans and I've never met one who didn't love Pep. Maybe these are armchair "fans". I don't know. I think it's largely a case of "empty vessels make most noise" after a defeat.

 

[Dax777]

One thing some don't quite get: to be the best manager in the world doesn't mean to be able to avoid crises or bad seasons. Ferguson had bad seasons, Cruyff had bad seasons, Sacchi had bad seasons, Ancelotti had bad seasons, Klopp had multiple bad seasons, and so on. One or two bad seasons don't make you finished.

I'm optimistic. Nobody can be completely sure Pep will win other titles. However, given his success so far, he deserves patience and full support when things don't go well, because he has been nothing short of a genius manager.

True. But support wnd criticism are not mutually exclusive. One can support Pep while at the same time criticizing his current performance or a particular bad tendency...

 

[Didsbury Dave]

There was a rumour that if Nico and Khus had played any more games last season, additional transfer fees would apply and, by that time, Pep would have been right too think that he could do what he needed to without triggering those additional costs. I have no idea if it is true but it is more believable than claims that he did not rate them, which is different to the possibility that he thought other players were better suited / more bedded in to how he wanted them to play than Nico and Khus.

We do know that playing for City asks a lot of players and that they have a lot to absorb and the best person to judge when to use them is Pep.

Nico is absolutely blossoming at the moment and I have no doubt part of the reason for that is that he is listening to Pep’s coaching (and Rodri’s, it seems).

Lot’s of people are on Savinho’s back but Pep is playing him consistently at the moment and, what ever his reasons for that, one will be that he rates him and sees things of value in doing so. If as a supporter you (not you) do not understand why he is playing Sav, you just need to remind yourself that you probably don’t understand because our manager operates at a very different level to you and he has proved time and again that he knows better.

Another good post mate - and referring to your earlier point - you are one of the posters on here who's football knowedge has always shone through.

Savinho is only going to develop his end product and decision making properly through confidence and he's only going to get that through game time and motivation. We've all seen how players can improve dramatically when a few things go right for them. These are the decisions Pep is making all the time. It was obvious that last night's team selection was balancing all these things. Other things are coming into play over the next few weeks and these will influence game time. Alt Nouri needs to compete with O'Reilly. Cerci needs to find a role. Guardiol and Reinders are playing poorly. World class management is juggling all of these things over a season and keeping them all as happy and motivated as possible - which is not easy at the top level.

 

[blueparrot]

I was going to post something similar.

How many managers have "had Pep's number" since he arrived?
How many times have be "got no plan B"?
How often did he "Not make subs quicker"?
He's been a busted flush, he's been found out, he's been left behind, he's been too nice to the opposition, too repspectful of other managers, too loyal, too stubburn, has had "brainfarts".

We've had it all on here since day one. I don't actually think these people want him to fail, I think they just don't understand football and become paranoid and fearful after a bad result or two.

The flip side is that I know a lot of City fans and I've never met one who didn't love Pep. Maybe these are armchair "fans". I don't know. I think it's largely a case of "empty vessels make most noise" after a defeat.

Agree, and don't think they want failure though there is one regular poster,and don't doubt he's a City Fan, who openly admits he's never liked or trusted Pep, for no apparent reason as far as I can see.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Agree, and don't think they want failure though there is one regular poster,and don't doubt he's a City Fan, who openly admits he's never liked or trusted Pep, for no apparent reason as far as I can see.

Wow. I'd love you to name and shame. I tend not to get involved in pre, mid or post match threads for the reasons we are discussing.

I could name a long standing poster who isn't around any more who was a bit like that but he had a long track record of getting everything massively wrong. He used to get accused of being a WUM but he wasn't, I met him. He was just clueless.

 

[blueparrot]

Wow. I'd love you to name and shame. I tend not to get involved in pre, mid or post match threads for the reasons we are discussing.

I could name a long standing poster who isn't around any more who was a bit like that but he had a long track record of getting everything massively wrong. He used to get accused of being a WUM but he wasn't, I met him. He was just clueless.

Here you go , only need to search his posts on Pep just in this thread ,mad. Yes, the only good use for the match threads is if you want to reduce the posts you see, the match thread would be a good source for an ignore list.

I've seen a lot of 'Pep negatives' since he was at Barcelona. The 'positives' have obviously outweighed the negatives over the years, but the negatives are still there, cropping up more often as time passes.

I've never liked the way he favours his friends and surrounds himself with yes men.

I don't lkie him. I never have. I respect his achievements, but don’t like him, nor would I trust him on a personal level.

Coaches / managers come and go. He'll move on soon with my thanks for the trophies, and we will continue to be City.

Now let's get this thread back to Nico Gonzales; a player I hope will be here long enough to get a proper chance under a less arrogant, egotistic coach than Pep.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Here you go , only need to search his posts on Pep just in this thread ,mad. Yes, the only good use for the match threads is if you want to reduce the posts you see, the match thread would be a good source for an ignore list.

Oh. My. God.

I just searched on his name and the word "Pep". Absolutely Incredible. It goes back for years and years. Every comment negative.

A mad experiment in the human inability to admit they were wrong.

 

[alexmcity]

Since we still are in transition, we are likely to have a bad game or two before Christmas, and Pep's critics will come out swinging.

Arsenal look stronger than they actually are (couldn't create more/better chances than us at their ground) and any loss/draw right now may seem fatal. But they'll have problems at some point as well. If we are close to the top come March, we'll have a good chance to win.

If Rodri regains form, this team will put in some spectacular, jaw-dropping performances. The transition will be over when the real Rodri returns. But arguably that may happen even without Rodri, as Gonzalez is a top man and will be great for us.

 

[OB1]

Oh. My. God.

I just searched on his name and the word "Pep". Absolutely Incredible. It goes back for years and years. Every comment negative.

A mad experiment in the human inability to admit they were wrong.

Pretty sure I crossed swords with him over Pep.

Quite how any City fan could dislike Pep is beyond me. Mind you, my approach is to be predisposed to like anyone that manages or plays for City; at least while they are at City.

 

[OB1]

Since we still are in transition, we are likely to have a bad game or two before Christmas, and Pep's critics will come out swinging.

Arsenal look stronger than they actually are (couldn't create more/better chances than us at their ground) and any loss/draw right now may seem fatal. But they'll have problems at some point as well. If we are close to the top come March, we'll have a good chance to win.

If Rodri regains form, this team will put in some spectacular, jaw-dropping performances. The transition will be over when the real Rodri returns. But arguably that may happen even without Rodri, as Gonzalez is a top man and will be great for us.

Arsenal have a deep squad with a lot of players of a similar quality it seems to me but I don’t think they are at the level of the best of the players we have had.

Exactly what level a fair few of our players are going to reach is yet to be seen. I think we are currently underrated and that could suit us if I am right.

 

[OB1]

Another good post mate - and referring to your earlier point - you are one of the posters on here who's football knowedge has always shone through.

Savinho is only going to develop his end product and decision making properly through confidence and he's only going to get that through game time and motivation. We've all seen how players can improve dramatically when a few things go right for them. These are the decisions Pep is making all the time. It was obvious that last night's team selection was balancing all these things. Other things are coming into play over the next few weeks and these will influence game time. Alt Nouri needs to compete with O'Reilly. Cerci needs to find a role. Guardiol and Reinders are playing poorly. World class management is juggling all of these things over a season and keeping them all as happy and motivated as possible - which is not easy at the top level.

Exactly, both Gvardiol and Rudolph need game time, for different reasons, to get back to their best form.

 

[Lavinda Past]

Oh. My. God.

I just searched on his name and the word "Pep". Absolutely Incredible. It goes back for years and years. Every comment negative.

A mad experiment in the human inability to admit they were wrong.

I've been nothing but consistent Dave!

I have huge respect for Pep and his record in football. I simply don't like the man himself. I can't explain why, I just find him strangely unlikeable... always have done, even pre-City.

As for his style of play, I have to say that I find it mostly boring, too many matches little more than glorified training sessions.

The 'entertainment' is overhyped and largely superficial, but that’s just football, not Pep... he's just the vehicle that the owners have chosen to piggy-back onto effectively guaranteeing success. In general terms, football itself is a pale shadow of the pre-1992 game. It's lost it’s soul.

That's why, like many others, I gave up my season card after many decades of attendance... it's just not the same game any more. I'll forever be a Blue, but it's just not the same feeling. I can honestly say that I stillmiss Maine Road.

Nothing to do with Pep, just the game and the way it's gone.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

I've been nothing but consistent Dave!

I have huge respect for Pep and his record in football. I simply don't like the man himself. I can't explain why, I just find him strangely unlikeable... always have done, even pre-City.

As for his style of play, I have to say that I find it mostly boring, too many matches little more than glorified training sessions.

The 'entertainment' is overhyped and largely superficial, but that’s just football, not Pep... he's just the vehicle that the owners have chosen to piggy-back onto effectively guaranteeing success. In general terms, football itself is a pale shadow of the pre-1992 game. It's lost it’s soul.

That's why, like many others, I gave up my season card after many decades of attendance... it's just not the same game any more. I'll forever be a Blue, but it's just not the same feeling. I can honestly say that I stillmiss Maine Road.

Nothing to do with Pep, just the game and the way it's gone.

Fair play for your honesty, LP. I didn’t know you’d given up your season ticket though.

 

[Macca77macca]

Mine too. Especially when he is so casually dressed for the FA Cup finals. I like a bit of tradition, and he always says he loves the FA Cup so show the final and occasion some respect.

Oh and the fans too by the team actually turning up sober on the day of the final. But that's another story.

But yes get a goddam suit on for cup finals. I ain't bovvered any other time what he wears tbh.

Mine too. Especially when he is so casually dressed for the FA Cup finals. I like a bit of tradition, and he always says he loves the FA Cup so show the final and occasion some respect.

Oh and the fans too by the team actually turning up sober on the day of the final. But that's another story.

But yes get a goddam suit on for cup finals. I ain't bovvered any other time what he wears tbh.

Exactly. That he wears a suit for every CL game but never, ever wears one for FA Cup Final PISSES ME OFF.

 

[Lavinda Past]

Fair play for your honesty, LP. I didn’t know you’d given up your season ticket though.

Yea, a couple of years ago now. I was quite ill for a few months and couldn't get to games, it then got tougher with match travel etc. I just wasn't enjoying the 'occasion' anymore, so took up watching every match on streams.

Once a Blue, always a Blue!

 

[K-Bo]

I feel like Pep of a few years ago (particularly false 9 era) would be all over Marmoush from the left and Cherki from the right, with everyone cutting inside and no width.

Now I feel like he's pretty reticent to not start 2 out and out wingers hugging the touchline. I feel like Nunes and o reilly offer a decent attacking threat from full back. Would be interested for him to at least try inverted FC with these new players. Maybe vs swansea.