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Pep Guardiola Responds To Critics Who Suggest He's Overrated As A Coach

Pep Guardiola Responds To Critics Who Suggest He's Overrated As A Coach

The Manchester City manager answered honestly.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Pep Guardiola was asked whether he can be considered the greatest coach of all time because he hasn't won the Champions League without Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.

Ahead of facing Schalke in the Champions League round of 16 first-leg, the Spaniard was quizzed about his legacy.

Image: PA
Image: PA

During his pre-match press conference, a reporter asked him: "What do you say to people who claim you've not won the Champions League since Barcelona because you don't have Messi, Xavi, Iniesta?"

Image: PA
Image: PA

Surprisingly, Guardiola agreed with that school of thought.

"I completely agree with them. Completely agree with them. I would not argue for one second because when I was there I said many times that I had incredible players," he answered.

"I did as well with Munich and Manchester but in Barcelona I was a lucky guy, I'm sorry, I was lucky. I agree with them."

Guardiola has won the Champions League twice. Both times at Barcelona when he had the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi at his disposal.

But he's failed to claim a major piece of European silverware at Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

Image: PA
Image: PA

The 48-year-old guided the German giants to three semi-finals yet he's failed to reach beyond the quarter-finals with City.

And he's acknowledged City's failure in his debut season at the Etihad.

"The first season was a big fail," he added. "I believe the team can do better things than the first season.

"We know each other much better. But this competition is special. The teams are good.

"You have to control your emotions. You have to suffer and survive the bad moments. But we are confident."

How will City fare against Schalke? Let us know what you think.

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Topics: Xavi, Manchester City, Football News, Football, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Champions League, Bayern Munich