Guardiola hits back at Capello over 'arrogant' jibe

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Oli SCARFF)

Pep Guardiola has slammed Fabio Capello's claim that he is "arrogant" by insisting Manchester City's success in his reign has raised standards in the Premier League.

Capello, a former England, AC Milan and Real Madrid boss, said in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo this week that Guardiola's "arrogance has cost him several Champions League titles".

The 78-year-old Italian also said Guardiola was "way too arrogant and presumptious" because he wanted to prove his tactics were the reason for City's remarkable success.

Capello claimed the City boss, who previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, had "ruined" Italian football because too many managers tried to copy his fluid, possession-based style without having good enough players to do so.

Guardiola, however, is proud of his record, having guided City to six Premier League titles and a first Champions League crown since his arrival in 2016.

The Spaniard believes the strength of the Premier League has improved in his time in Manchester, with City now facing a challenge from several teams, including Saturday's opponents Brighton, just to secure a top-four place this season.

City have endured a difficult campaign after winning the previous four Premier League titles and currently sit fifth in the table.

"Naming one of the big managers, one of the exceptional managers, in Fabio Capello - it doesn't look like it's arrogant, I would say, but we helped to raise the bar in the Premier League," Guardiola said.

"The teams had to go to the transfer markets, right? People want to do good, people are well organised, have good structures, make good decisions, have good players everywhere.

"I went to Bournemouth in the beginning, and now it's different. I went in the beginning to Brighton, and now it's different. And I went to Fulham in the beginning, and now it's different.

"I've been here, I'm an old guy, I'm the oldest manager here, nine years. I know the evolution of the Premier League has been massive.

"It's incredible how they've changed and it's good, really good, for the Premier League."

Capello argued that because Guardiola "always wanted to be the protagonist" he had made unnecessary selection or tactical calls in certain big games that had backfired.

It is not the first time the pair have not seen eye to eye.

Their differing footballing philosophies clashed when Guardiola played under the pragmatic Capello at Roma more than two decades ago.

Capello could not find an effective role for the Spaniard and repeatedly left him out of his side.

Asked specifically about the Italian's comments Guardiola had just a short answer.

"I listen to everything that people say about me, everything, so be careful!" he said.

"It's not the first time Mr Fabio Capello has said that. I'm not good enough to ruin Italian football, it is very important. A big hug for Fabio."

smg/dj

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