Capello’s Stinging Rebuke of Guardiola
In a revealing chat with El Mundo, Fabio Capello didn’t shy away from delivering pointed criticisms of Pep Guardiola, albeit recognizing that Guardiola is part of that elite cadre of managers who have transformed modern football, much like Johan Cruyff and Arrigo Sacchi. “What I find unappealing about him? His arrogance,” Capello commented. “The Champions League title won with City (in Istanbul against Inter) was the only one where he refrained from attempting anything out of the ordinary during the crucial matches.”
Capello continued, “Every couple of years, whether in Manchester or Munich, I have always sought to take centre stage during pivotal moments. He altered the dynamics and introduced innovations to assert, ‘It’s not the players who win, it’s me.’ This arrogance has cost him several Champions League triumphs. I respect him, but that’s how it is. Moreover, though it may not entirely be his fault, he has inflicted significant damage on the sport.”
Capello’s discontent extends to those who have faltered in interpreting the maestro's ideas: “For a full decade, everyone has attempted to emulate him. This has devastated Italian football, stripping it of its essence. I’ve said, ‘Enough, you don’t possess Guardiola’s caliber of players!’ Additionally, the ridiculous notion that playing well is solely about this... Now, in Italian football, the goalkeeper is expected to dictate play! What a disaster, and frankly, a bore that has driven many away from the beautiful game, forcing them to settle for mere highlights. Who wants to endure 90 minutes of side-to-side passing with no disputing, no running... Thankfully, the tide is changing. Spain has led the charge, notably clinching the Euros with two wingers and an emphasis on pace.”
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