“As a human he was difficult for the players” - Lewandowski on playing under Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has opened up about what it was like to play under current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. The two worked with each other at Bayern Munich, where the Spanish tactician spent three years from 2013 to 2016.
Lewandowski claims that the Cityzens boss initially clashed with some players because of his attitude towards playing his way. However, the number nine has revealed that he's noted a positive change in the way Guardiola approached coaching in the years gone by.
When Lewandowski was asked about the 53-year-old in an interview with Rio Ferdinand, the Poland international said (via Football Espana):
“As a human he was difficult for the players, because at the time, he was so brilliant with the football tactics, that he thought, if they follow me, they will win. In later times, I have seen that he has changed.”
“I think he realised that if he is more human and more open, then it can help him more than tactics sometimes.”
He added:
“I understand if you’re playing a team that does not have a big chance [to beat you], but if you are playing against a big side. Tactics are important, I don’t want to say they are not, but in my mind, at this level, different things can be decisive between winning and losing.”
The ex-Barcelona boss is widely considered one of the world's best managers in the world today. Since taking over at Manchester City in the summer of 2016, he's won six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honors.
Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola signs one-year contract extension at Manchester City
Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has agreed a one-year extension at Manchester City, Sky Sports reports. The Spanish coach's agreement at the Etihad was set to conclude at the end of the current season, but he will now remain in Manchester till the summer of 2026.
Further, it is reported that the ex-Bayern Munich boss' new deal contains the option to extend his agreement till 2027. This decision could have to do with Guardiola wishing to finish his Manchester City career on a high.
So far this campaign, the Cityzens haven't been particularly prolific and are placed second in the Premier League standings, five points behind leaders Liverpool. Up next for the current English top-flight champions is a home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday (November 23).