“Many people said 'he wins because he’s in Barcelona with Lionel Messi'" - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hits back at critics amid poor form
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hit back at critics who claimed he only achieved success at Barcelona because of Lionel Messi. The Spanish tactician began his senior managerial career with La Blaugrana in 2008, where he won a continental treble in his first season in charge of the club.
Guardiola left the Catalan giants in 2012 and took a year out of the game before moving to Bayern Munich in 2013. He spent three years in Munich before joining City in 2016 and has remained with the English side since.
In a recent interview, the City boss fired back at critics who claimed he only achieved success early in his career because he managed Lionel Messi. Guardiola said via Fabrizio Romano:
"I remember many people said 'he wins because he’s in Barcelona with Leo Messi and the other ones. He has to prove in England. Ok! We did it'".
Pep Guardiola won six Premier League titles with Manchester City, four of which came consecutively. He is contracted to the English champions until the summer of 2027.
"I had him as a coach for many years, and we achieved incredible things that we would never have imagined" Barcelona legend Lionel Messi discusses the impact of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on his career
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi discussed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's impact on his career. The Argentine superstar played under the Spanish manager at Camp Nou for four years, and the pair enjoyed immense success together.
Messi played 219 games under Guardiola, scoring 211 goals and providing 94 assists. In a recent interview, the 2022 World Cup winner hailed his time under the manager, telling Mundo Deportivo:
"I think there are two that have had a big impact on me for different reasons. Pep [Guardiola], because I had him as a coach for many years and we achieved incredible things that we would never have imagined. And Ronaldinho, because the way he welcomed me, how he helped me, was very useful to me in my first moments in the first team."
" I also remember Andres (Iniesta) and Xavi as teammates, and the three who play with me here in Miami (Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez), who are also friends. And of course, a special mention for Tito Vilanova, whom we miss so much," he added.
Lionel Messi won two Champions League trophies, three LaLiga titles, and two Copa del Rey honors under Pep Guardiola.
The Argentine legend now plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, while Guardiola manages English champions Manchester City.