It is approaching a decade since Barcelona thrashed Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League Final. On the night, the scoreline read 3-1, with goals from Pedro, Messi and Villa cancelling out one from Wayne Rooney. But, in truth, the scoreline flattered United. Sir Alex Ferguson, so often cast as the greatest manager of the modern era, looked like he was well aware that there was nothing he could do to thwart Barcelona. As with the 2009 Final, Pep Guardiola had the Scot’s number, and Ferguson knew it.
That was the last time Guardiola has reached the heights of the Champions League Final, despite managing two clubs deemed to be the best in the world for long periods in the decade that followed, Bayern Munich and Man City. He’s been unlucky, sure, but often Guardiola has fallen victim to his own neurosis, trying to fix things that weren’t broken in the first place.
City clear favourites for maiden Champions League win
But the conditions are perfect for Guardiola to once again return to the summit of club football. His Manchester City team are the clear favourites in the 2021 Champions League betting after the dismantling of Borussia Monchengladbach in the Last 16. And while it’s true that City have been favourites before and not made it past the quarter-finals, the way they are playing should give fans confidence.
And yet, there is more than just good form on City’s side. Guardiola will look to the decline in teams like Real Madrid and Liverpool this season and be confident that his team is stronger than the rest. Even Barcelona’s conquerors, PSG, are struggling a bit in France, sitting behind Lille in Ligue 1. Bayern, of course, will be formidable opponents, but the holders have had some poor results this season.
Perhaps most important of all is the fact that City have almost wrapped up the Premier League title. It would take a miracle for Manchester United to catch them now, and Guardiola will be able to use his squad to keep players fresh for the Champions League. PSG, Bayern, Madrid and others will not have that luxury. This fact could be crucial this season in particular, given all the talk about player fatigue.
City have flattered to deceive in UCL knockout stages
However, this is, in a way, a double-edged sword for Guardiola because there is really no excuse to hide behind. The conditions are perfect for him to triumph. He would be forgiven if City were to reach the Champions League Final and lose to Bayern, for example; that would show progress at least. But if City make a limp exit in the quarters or semis similar to previous seasons, then you could see City’s fans and, possibly, the board getting frustrated with Guardiola.
The Spaniard doesn’t have anything left to prove in management. Yes, some throw the accusation at him that he has never succeeded with a poor team or one without a big budget. But, in truth, that’s beside the point. He has won, set records and transformed football teams into winning machines. If he were to retire tomorrow, he will still go down as one of the great Champions League managers – only Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti have won more than Guardiola’s two.
But City’s fans and owners expect more than what Guardiola and his players have delivered in the competition over the last few years. The stage is set for them to deliver in Istanbul on the 29th of May.