Pep Guardiola has come under fire for his handling of Manchester City’s recent struggles, with former England manager Fabio Capello accusing the Spaniard of arrogance amid the club’s poor form, Soccernet.football reports.
Capello’s remarks follow City’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving last season’s champions at risk of an early exit from the tournament.
The loss in Turin was City’s seventh defeat in 10 matches across all competitions, a staggering downturn for a team that won the Champions League just a year ago.
Guardiola’s men currently sit 22nd in the standings after collecting only eight points from six group-stage games, sparking concerns over their European campaign.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League, City trail rivals Liverpool by eight points as their injury-hit squad continues to falter.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italy as per TheMirror, Capello, who won the Champions League with AC Milan in 1994, did not hold back in his critique of Guardiola’s management style.
“Guardiola is a great coach, but he is far too arrogant and presumptuous,” he said. “At times, he has even lost trophies because he wanted to prove that he was the one winning and not the players. He dropped key figures in big games to take the spotlight and the credit away from his squad.”
Former West Ham forward and pundit Paulo Di Canio echoed Capello’s sentiments, directing criticism at goalkeeper Ederson for his “arrogant” performances.
“Ederson has talent, but he is so arrogant that he makes these mistakes due to sheer over-confidence,” Di Canio said.
Guardiola, meanwhile, admitted to self-doubt following the defeat. “Of course [I am questioning myself]. I have my thoughts. I’m stable in good moments and bad moments. I try to find a way to do it,” he said. “We improve and go forward. Tomorrow we recover, prepare for United, and try to be better.”
City’s ability to rebound in the upcoming Manchester derby could define their season, but questions over Guardiola’s tactics and leadership will continue to swirl.