Manchester –
Pep Guardiola continues to be criticized for not being able to win the Champions League again. Pep defended himself by bringing in Michael Jordan.
Guardiola has won the Champions League twice during his career, all with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011. After that, Guardiola still has difficulty repeating this achievement.
Even though Pep has always triumphed at the domestic level with Bayern Munich and now Manchester City. Pep is like struggling just to qualify for the semifinals.
Once he was able to appear in the final again in 2021, Pep failed miserably as City were beaten 0-1 by Chelsea, who at that time were coached by Thomas Tuchel.
Naturally, Pep continues to be scrutinized and often receives criticism for not being able to bring City to win the Champions League. Even though City has a qualified squad and has always been a favorite to win.
“We tried last season, then the season before, we also tried three seasons ago, always try every season, but there are some opponents who are also good and want to win,” said Pep on the Independent.
Pep tried to defend himself from criticism by bringing up the names of two sports legends, Michael Jordan and Jack Nicklaus. Both of them are indeed idols because of their extraordinary achievements, but they are also familiar with failure.
Jordan even “only” won six NBA titles in nearly two decades of career. While Jack Nicklaus also became more runner-up than champion.
“Yesterday, there was The Masters. How often has Jack Nicklaus played in The Masters or any other major tournament? In his 30-40 year career as a top golfer? How many has he won in 130 appearances? 18 out of 30. Wow, he has lost more than win,” Pep added.
“This is sport. In football, golf, basketball, Michael Jordan as the best basketball player has only won six NBA titles during his 16 year career. He has lost more than he has won.”
“All the matches are very difficult. The most important thing is that we can be here, compete well, do as much as possible and try to be perfect. That’s the profession I live in, I’m not perfect and I often lose too.
Watch Video “Guardiola is fully aware that success at Man City is measured by the Champions League“
(mrp/raw)
