Manchester City have been in a ruthless run of form with a perfect start to the Premier League season, winning six out of six games. Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso feels that the current success the citizens are enjoying is all down to the intricate work done by his former manager Pep Guardiola in implementing his ideal style of play. Alonso who also experienced playing against Pep's all-conquering Barcelona team whilst at Real Madrid knows quite well how the Catalan manager wants football to be played.
Guardiola has won his first 10 games in charge of City, bringing them to the top of the Premier League. Alonso seemed to have nothing but fond memories of the time they shared together at Munich. He told Marca in an interview, "Pep has a natural talent to understand football and to then transform that understanding on to his players."
Guardiola's tactical acumen
Known to be demanding and uncompromising, Guardiola is widely acknowledged to be a perfectionist. He tends to pay attention to the slightest of details and his philosophy of football is a possession-based game which was refined from the legendary Johann Cruyff's "total football". His haul of 14 major trophies during his four-year tenure at Barcelona is a testament to his managerial prowess.
Alonso offering his analysis quipped, "He likes to have the ball and for his players to show courage and you can just feel this. What he has done at Manchester City over the past two months is amazing."
“It surely is, considering his 100 percent record at the club. He has transformed the club into title favourites this season. The team looks a different prospect from the City team last season. He has brought in players who he thinks can flourish under his tutelage, and has ruthlessly isolated players who don't believe in his policies.”
"The desire his players have to prove themselves to the fans and the coach is the result of Pep's work. He is very demanding and methodical.”
Players and his ideals
From their new acquisitions, John Stones and Nolito have had good game time and have impressed with some strong performances. Ilkay Gundogan has slowly been integrated into the team and has looked worth the money City have splashed to sign him from Borussia Dortmund. Youngster Leroy Sane, the German wonderkid from Schalke could develop very well under Guardiola, just like Kelechi Iheanacho as well.
Most importantly, though, Raheem Sterling seems to have some newfound confidence under the Catalan's guidance with some performances worthy of his €50 million price tag.
His need for pace and superior technical ability is seen in the lineups he sets for matches. Guardiola prioritizes a high pressing game, midfield domination and ball retention. Players who beg to differ were exiled, with Yaya Toure and Joe Hart among the big names to not be part of the Guardiola revolution.
Fond memories
Xabi Alonso though has only great memories to look back at during the two years he spent together with Pep. Despite him winning three successive Bundesliga titles during his stay, Guardiola's achievements have been somewhat belittled for losing in the semi-finals of the Champions League on three separate occasions.
However, Alonso feels Guardiola's time in Munich should be considered only as a success. He described the lasting effect on the Bayern players by saying, "His farewell at Bayern was very emotional for all the fans, players, and all staff."
"That just went to show what he meant for Bayern and achieved here. His time at Bayern was a success and everybody is very grateful."
Such is the respect for Pep Guardiola and his work at Bayern. The players at Manchester City are slowly imbibing the Guardiola way-to-play, and it seems to be producing the goods. Though there are tougher fixtures yet to test the blue side of Manchester, their 2-1 win at Old Trafford has brought high expectations for the season. Time will soon tell if his stewardship will bring great results, but it sure brings some great football.
Also read: Bayern Munich are interested in getting Jurgen Klopp as their next manager
