03/01/2017
BY ALL INDICATIONS, PEP GUARDIOLA HAS FINALLY LOST ALL PATIENCE WITH THE ENGLISH PRESS
When the work of a genius speaks for itself and the testimony of all former associates, players, colleagues and foes needs no further commentary, trust the British Press to find a way. The best of the best in every path of life will at some point in their illustrious careers face challenges and uphill battles that test their very core and push them to the brink, this is the very nature of success, itâs a process not an instant formula. It would be embarrassingly immature, fickle and mischievous to write off a lifetime of brilliance due to a brief testing period. How easy it is to be an admirer or a fan when things are going well as we all witnessed in the first two months of the season which saw the rapid introduction of the tribute chant âCoz weâve got Guardiolaâ
While the curse of success built up high expectations with every City win, others were rubbing hands gleefully, waiting for the first signs of strain so they can once again pose their favourite question, âWould you say this league is tougher than any other you've experienced?â At the same time, detractors couldn't wait to shout Fraudiola! Pep on the other hand cautioned that tough times were inevitable and reminded the City faithful that he and his staff would need the fansâ backing especially in the trying times ahead. He had after all been assured that City fans had endured decades on the fringes of top flight football and had some of the most loyal and passionate fans in England.
In these fickle times of social media where any nobody can share their mostly emotional opinion before the world, true blues (Not part time supporters) need to remember where the great, historic club of Manchester City has come from in a very short space of time and keep in mind the collective vision of the owners who wish to build lasting foundations and a dynasty instead of a revolving door that almost always accompanies instant success. If Manchester City football club are to finally carve out their rightful place in the hierarchy of European Elite football, the road will not be an easy one. Even a man as brilliant as Pep will not waltz into an aging squad with ongoing defensive frailties, wave a magic wand and wish all historic deficiencies away in 4 months. Additionally, are the fans not to play their part and stand by the lads and the gaffer when the whole world is picking them apart?
Not too long ago, Manchester City were (under Pep), playing the finest football ever witnessed on English soil. Pundits were purring over the scintillating City Sleekness and praising Pepâs every decision, even the most âstrangeâ. That earlier period gave us a glimpse of what a Pep Guardiola managed City can do in England and abroad. Currently, after the most difficult spell yet, City find themselves in the 3rd position having scored a goal less than leaders Chelsea and having conceded one less than Liverpool. So is it really as bad as the media would have us believe? City have time and again recovered major deficits in points and are likely to have a strong finish to the season with additional recruitments likely to add more fire power and stability at the back.
Going by recent interviews, it has become evident that the Manchester City Coach is disappointed and rightly so, he was for years pursued by The City Football Group with rival fans and pundits joking that a coach of his caliber would never join a small club like City. Even Bayern Munich chiefs initially scoffed at suggestions that Guardiola would leave the German giants for little âol City. But he dared to risk it all and take a chance with the underdog everybody loved to hate. Is this the way to pay him back? Is this our definition of loyalty?
At this point itâs rather futile to reiterate just how much the City boss has put his massive reputation on the line to try and achieve something special with the Sky blues. Football success it can be said is a two way street, the players and internal staff need the fans as much as the fans need them to be at their best. Being a football fan also constitutes good times as well as the not so memorable ones, being a supporter means being there through it all. You donât have to love Guardiola but if youâre a football fan, never mind a City fan. You owe him at least the respect. Itâs fair to say if anyone has earned the right to a dip in form, itâs him.
