Pep Guardiola Hits Back at Fabio Capello's Criticism

Pep Guardiola responds to Fabio Capello's criticism, denying claims of arrogance and warning the Italian manager to 'be careful' with his comments, while also reflecting on the evolution of the Premier League during his nine-year tenure.

Pep Guardiola has responded to criticism from Fabio Capello, who labeled him “way too arrogant” in a recent interview. Guardiola took exception to Capello's comment, advising the Italian to “be careful” with his words. Capello, a former England, AC Milan, and Real Madrid boss, made the remark in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

Guardiola defended his management style and Manchester City's success under his leadership, arguing that his team's achievements have raised the bar in the Premier League. Capello had suggested that Guardiola's “arrogance has cost him several Champions League titles.” However, Guardiola remained confident in his approach, implying that his success speaks for itself.

Fabio Capello, a 78-year-old Italian football legend, recently criticized Pep Guardiola, labeling him “way too arrogant and presumptuous.” Capello suggested that Guardiola's arrogance stems from his desire to prove that his tactics are the reason behind Manchester City's remarkable success. Additionally, Capello claimed that Guardiola's influence has had a negative impact on Italian football, as many managers have attempted to emulate his possession-based style without having the necessary talent.

Capello's criticism aside, Guardiola remains proud of his achievements, including guiding Manchester City to six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown since his arrival in 2016. Guardiola believes that his team's success has contributed to the overall improvement of the Premier League, with City now facing stiff competition from several teams. “Naming one of the big managers, one of the exceptional managers, in Fabio Capello - it doesn't look like it's arrogant, I would say, but we helped to raise the bar in the Premier League,” Guardiola said.

🚨👀 Pep Guardiola on Fabio Capello saying he “did a lot of harm to football”.

“I listen to everything that people say about me. So be careful! It's not the first time that Mr Fabio Capello said that. I'm not good enough to win Italian football…”.pic.twitter.com/0wobNIECQc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 14, 2025

Guardiola emphasized the impact of Manchester City's success on the Premier League, noting that other teams have had to adapt and improve to compete. “The teams had to go to the transfer markets, right? People want to do good, people are well organised, have good structures, make good decisions, have good players everywhere,” he said. Guardiola cited examples of teams that have improved significantly since his arrival in the Premier League, including Bournemouth, Brighton, and Fulham. “I went to Bournemouth in the beginning, and now it's different. I went in the beginning to Brighton, and now it's different. And I went to Fulham in the beginning, and now it's different,” he observed.

🇮🇹🗣️ Fabio Capello says Pep Guardiola has 'done a lot of harm to football' 😳

"You know what I don’t like about Guardiola? His arrogance. The Champions League he won with City is the only one where he didn’t try anything funny in the decisive matches."

"But all the other… pic.twitter.com/lJ9GPQT5Uj

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 12, 2025

Pep Guardiola reflected on his nine-year tenure in the Premier League, acknowledging the significant evolution of the league during his time in England. “I've been here, I'm an old guy, I'm the oldest manager here, nine years. I know the evolution of the Premier League has been massive,” he said. Guardiola expressed his admiration for the growth of the league, stating, “It's incredible how they've changed and it's good, really good, for the Premier League.”

Fabio Capello, a former England and Real Madrid manager, criticized Guardiola's approach, suggesting that his desire to be the protagonist has led to unnecessary tactical decisions in big games. Capello and Guardiola have a history of disagreement, dating back to Guardiola's time as a player under Capello at Roma. Capello struggled to find an effective role for Guardiola, often leaving him out of the team.

When asked about Capello's comments, Guardiola offered a brief but pointed response. “I listen to everything that people say about me, everything, so be careful!” he said. Guardiola also addressed Capello's claim that he had “ruined” Italian football, saying, “It's not the first time Mr Fabio Capello has said that. I'm not good enough to ruin Italian football, it is very important. A big hug for Fabio.”