Pep Guardiola has hit back on Fabio Capello's criticism that he ruined and claimed Italian football: “I am not good enough” to do that.
Former English boss Capello also accused Guardiola of 'arrogant' and says he destroyed football in his home country because all coaches tried to play his style. The Manchester City manager notes everything that Capello says and claims that this is not the first time he attacked him.
“I listen to everything people say about me, everything, so be careful!” He smiled. “It is not the first time that Mr Fabio Capello has said that. I am not good enough to ruin Italian football. Italian football is much more important than the way we do it. A big hug for Fabio, a big hug.”
Guardiola also claimed that it did not “hurt” watching Europe's other top teams who are fighting this week in the Champions League because City did not deserve to be there. He enjoyed Liverpool against Paris St Germain and Real Madrid against Atletico and says he was able to look as a spectator.
“It doesn't hurt,” he said. “People say that, but I have no disappointment or regret. We don't deserve to be there. Just enjoy football for the fantastic games, such as in Anfield, or a week ago in Paris or the competitiveness or Madrid v Atletico Madrid or how well Barcelona plays many, many months and the way they played against Benfica for 65 minutes.
“So I am just a spectator to learn, see and enjoy it. “I don't have 'oh, it's a shame I wasn't there.” There are the incredible teams such as Atletico, Benfica or Liverpool, those who are out.
“This competition, what happened to Julian [Alvarez] and Atletico, the margins. Can you imagine that you are out of the CL for that reason? Atletico was brilliant with the style they played against Madrid, Madrid is always an incredible team in this competition. Look at that decision and seasons are good or poorly assessed.
“Look at Liverpool, they have made all the points and the CEO is happy because they have earned a lot of money in the group phase and then the trek will put them against PSG.
“We suffered in Paris and the best player in Paris was Alisson and the best player in Anfield was Donnarumma. How do you rate that in details and fines?
“In the past we have it many, many times ago and nobody has to explain to me how special it is, but this season we didn't deserve to be there.”
Guardiola also sympathized with Jack Grealishe after the boss of New England Thomas Tuchel took him from his first team, despite his leading role for the three lions this fall under caregiver Lee Carsley.
“I spoke with Jack many times, I want the best for him,” he said. “I can't judge why the national manager of England. I wish him the very best and the very best on the field and off, that's what I want for him. “
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