Man City’s first campaign under Pep Guardiola has been marred with ups and downs so far, but the Catalan reassures fans he has adapted to English football.
(Image credit: The Guardian)
Despite winning three successive league titles with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and also winning two Champions League crowns with the former, Guardiola is often criticized for having inherited squads with already-established stars. His impact as a manager has been brought into question on occasion by some in the media, while others are quick to point out that before Guardiola’s appointment as Barcelona boss in the summer of 2008 the team failed to win any silverware, despite being comprised with nearly the same squad the season before his arrival.
Guardiola enjoyed a superb start to his career in England in the initial stages of the season, which saw them win ten consecutive games in all competitions, however poor performances started to accumulate after that. They’ve managed to rebound back and find their form in recent games, but they’re still trailing seven points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea (49 points).
“And at times my ideas were not good, because I’m still in the process to know the players, to know what is the best position, the best way to play, to adapt to them,” commented the Man City boss. “But through the control of the game, through the passes, was the beginning and (against West Ham) – and we have to try.”
Man City have recorded an impressive 5-0 away victory against West Ham in the 1/32-finals of the FA Cup over the weekend, however in the Premier League they’re in fourth position (42 points). Considering the massive investment made in the squad since his arrival and the expensive signings he has taken over from Manuel Pellegrini, it was expected for them to be higher up the table at this stage, challenging for the title with the likes of Chelsea.
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Chelsea are obviously the favourites 1.75 (3/4) to lift the crown, however may still change as the season progresses, while Liverpool are second in the running with odds of 5.50 (9/2). Tottenham are fourth favourites 13.00 (12/1), while Arsenal 14.50 (27/2) and Man United 16.50 (31/2) are behind them on the odds chart
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