Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Pep Guardiola will struggle to replicate his previous success at Manchester City.
The current Bayern Munich boss has confirmed that he will leave the Bavarian giants this summer in order to replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad, and he will hope to continue his tradition of success.
While the Spanish tactician has already won 14 major honours in four seasons with Barcelona along with several more during in time in Germany, many expect him to replicate that level of success in the Premier League as of next season.
However, Ferguson isn’t convinced that it will be that easy, as the English top flight comes with its own demands and despite rating Guardiola very highly, he believes that there will be an important adjustment period.
“Without question Pep has got a fantastic work ethic about him, he demands that from all of his training sessions,” he told Sky Sports. “Anyone who thinks they’re not going to work hard at City won’t last long. He has got great coaching ability, there is no doubt about that.
“Man City have made a real coup in getting him but Pep won’t find it easy, English football is not easy. Every foreign coach that has come to England will tell you that. Arsene Wenger was talking about that a few months after coming and even Jose Mourinho was.
“Pep will be a success but I don’t think he’ll ever replicate what he did at Barcelona because that was a high standard – they were the best.”
While City will have their own plans of strengthening their squad ahead of next season, the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal will likely follow suit as they are all set to miss out on the league crown this season having fallen way below their high standards.
There is an argument to suggest that Guardiola will not have faced competition at such a level previously in Spain or Germany, and that in itself will be a tough task while the pace and style of play in England will also differ.
Given his methods, mentality and track record, it is difficult not seeing him being a success in Manchester. However, Ferguson makes valid points and it will be a fascinating season next year to see how he adapts and settles in England.