Pep Guardiola has responded to commentator Gary Neville, who called Manchester City “boring.”
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup in 2023, making it the most successful year in the club’s history.
The Premier League has seen a change in football since the Catalan coach joined the team in 2016. He brought in concepts such as positional play, defenders pressing into midfield, and goalkeepers participating more in open play.
The fact that so many teams have adopted these strategies shows how well-liked Pep’s City is, although not everyone finds their play entertaining.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville is among those who have said as much, calling City ‘unwatchable’ and ‘boring’.
Even though City has only maintained two clean sheets in their previous 13 Premier League games, Neville lamented the lack of danger in City games when speaking on the Stick to Football podcast.
Neville claimed he “felt a bit bored” and missed City’s 3-1 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday. He believes that because City is so predictable, the competition has been damaged.
When asked what he thought of Neville’s remarks, Guardiola responded angrily before City’s matchup with Chelsea on Saturday.
“It depends on us and how satisfied we are – that is what belongs to us,” Guardiola stated.
It doesn’t matter if people don’t value it. It’s not a major issue.
“Since we are still here, it is crucial that we maintain our sense of ourselves. Not because of the external praise or the external regrets.”
The City manager issued a warning, saying that his team will never be forgotten and that what they have accomplished is harder than it appears.
“What am I supposed to say? It’s really good. I appreciate the compliment, Neville. Football is a really difficult sport.
“I’m very confident that those in the football world who understand how tough it is to play in every competition for six or seven years admire us.
“I have something to tell you that you won’t soon forget. Though it seems simple, it’s not. Recall that statement: appearances can be deceiving.
“Our opponents hold us in high regard. Although I am aware of how challenging it can be, sometimes what we are doing is insufficient for folks.”
On Saturday night, City takes on Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium to maintain pressure on Liverpool, who currently top the standings.
