‘It’s amazing’ – Pep Guardiola’s reputation is on the line at Man City says Le Tissier
Pep Guardiola is playing for his reputation this season as he bids to ensure Man City do not suffer another agonising collapse.
That is the view of former England and Southampton star Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Spaniard has also had to cope with some major losses this year.
Guardiola has taken charge of two trophyless seasons during his time in England. His first campaign in 2016, and last year.
The Sky Blues looked stale and lifeless for much of last season, finishing 13 points behind Liverpool last term.
There had been suggestions that Guardiola may be tempted to quit Man City, and the former Barcelona manager threatened to leave if his squad size was not reduced [BBC Sport].
However, Man City signed Tijjani Reijnders and five other players this summer whilst also letting Kevin De Bruyne join Napoli, Kyle Walker leave for Burnley, and Jack Grealish depart to join Everton.
And according to Le Tissier, the 54-year-old will be drilling into his side the importance of avoiding another calamity this season.
Pep Guardiola will ‘want to forget’ last season
This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Le Tissier explained that whilst he did not think Guardiola was at risk of losing his job at the Etihad, City’s manager would be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season.
He said: “I think he’s bought up enough credit in the bank to not be under pressure for his job, let’s put it that way, but I’m sure his own personal pride would have taken a bit of a battering. Last season was one that they’ll very quickly want to forget.
“Obviously, they didn’t go as far as they wanted to in the Club World Cup either.
“Pep’s basically playing for his reputation this season because if he has another season like that one, people are then going to start asking questions.
“His drive and his motivation will be back because of what happened that season.
“He’ll drill that into his players. He’s had to cope with a lot, obviously, with players leaving, De Bruyne going, he had Rodri injured for most of last season, players who lost a little bit of form and a little bit of confidence.
“It’s amazing. It doesn’t matter how good you are as a team. If you start losing a few games and your confidence goes, it’s really hard to get that back.
“That’s kind of what happened to Man City last season, so they’ve got to get off to a good start.”
Rodrygo’s agents arrive in UK for talks with Man City, Liverpool
Whilst Guardiola is keen to reduce his squad size, it would be a surprise to see the Sky Blues turn their noses up at the chance of signing one of the best wingers in world football.
Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider that Rodrygo’s representatives have flown in to talk with Man City and Liverpool over the possibility of a move to the Premier League.
The Brazilian winger has found himself shuffled down the pecking order at Real Madrid since Xabi Alonso’s arrival this summer.
Indy Kaila also told Football Insider exclusively that Liverpool have learnt of Rodrygo’s wage demands, and the two Premier League powerhouses could be about to go head-to-head in an attempt to sign the 24-year-old.