Former England, AC Milan and Real Madrid manager Capello told Spanish newspapers world This week, Guardiola’s “arrogance has cost him several Champions League games.” The 78-year-old Italian also claimed that Guardiola was “too arrogant and conceited” because he wanted to prove that his tactics were the key to Manchester City’s success.
Capelo further accused the Spaniard of “destroying” Italian football, believing that many managers tried to imitate the style he had based on without the players of the required quality.
In response, Guardiola defended his record, giving City six Premier League titles and historic Champions League victory last season. He also suggested that his influence improves the level of competition in British football.
Guardiola said: “At Fabio Capello, a big manager, is a brilliant manager – I would say, it doesn’t seem arrogant, but we helped us raise the bar in the Premier League.”
“The team has to go to the transfer market, right? People want to do good things, people are well organized, have good structures, make good decisions, and have good players everywhere.
“I went to Bournemouth at first, and it’s different now. I went to Brighton at first, and it’s different now. I went to Fulham at first, and it’s different now.
“I’ve been here, I’m an old man, I’m the oldest manager here, nine years. I know the evolution of the Premier League is huge. The way they’ve changed is incredible for the Premier League, and it’s really good.”
Capello believes Guardiola’s desire to be the “protagonist” has led him to make unnecessary tactical or choice decisions in a key Champions League, ultimately causing the city to lose more European titles.
This is not the first time Guardiola and Capelo have had a clash. When Guardiola played Italians in Roma more than two decades ago, their football philosophy varies greatly, and Capello often struggled to find a role for him in his team.
When asked directly about Capello’s latest speech, Guardiola replied with a brief but sharp comment:
“I listen to everything people say to me, so be careful!” he said. “This is not the first time Mr. Fabio Capelo said. I’m not ruining Italian football enough, it’s very important. A big hug from Fabio.”
