Photos: I'm someone who loved a tackle but, believe me, some of the criticism has been nonsense - Pep Guardiola

Suddenly it feels like it's open season. One quote in the heat of the moment, a desire to reinforce his principles and Pep Guardiola is seen as being arrogant and out of sync with English football.

'I'm not a coach for tackles,' is a phrase that has been used repeatedly since Manchester City fell apart at Leicester, a stick with which to beat Guardiola. It is impossible to miss the delight that critics — who have him down as a smart ass — have taken from seeing him endure these difficulties.

Guardiola was simply being truthful when he made that statement. Coaching for tackles? That's something you do with seven-year-olds, when you show them how to stand and when to make a block. It is one of the basics of the game. No Premier League manager needs to coach it.

More photos below.

Please Share:

Kindly drop a comment. The comment box is below