Jose Mourinho calls him “a specialist in failure” – but Arsene Wenger is the “commander-in-chief” for Pep Guardiola.
Netflix fan Guardiola picked up the term from US TV series ‘House of Cards’ and it underlines his huge respect for the Arsenal boss – in stark contrast to Mourinho’s attitude towards him.
Wenger must feel like a soulmate for Guardiola as he struggles to preach the gospel of passing football in the land of the long ball.
“He’s the commander-in-chief because he’s the boss, no?” said the City coach.
“I saw many Netflix series and that’s why. Commander-in-chief and colonel, I use a lot.”
Unsurprisingly, Guardiola is a huge fan of Wenger’s style of play ahead of tomorrow’s showdown at the Etihad.
“I like it, yes,” said the Spaniard. “He’s been here a long time. When that happens at a club such as Arsenal, it’s because a person is doing a good job.
“I understand it’s not easy to win the Premier League, but I have a lot of respect about his career. I’ve said many times that I admire the way he tries to play and especially the quality of the players they like and they buy. I like a lot.”
Yet Wenger still hasn’t won the Premier League since 2004 – a fact Mourinho never tires of mentioning – and Guardiola knocked him out of the Champions League three times with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Wenger is accused of refusing to adapt his philosophy to the physicality of the Premier League, which is also levelled at the purist Guardiola.
Guardiola is irked by this charge and insists he understands the need to adapt to English football’s long-ball style.
“I am pragmatic,” he said. “I’m so pragmatic. Look at my past, I’m so pragmatic.
“I’m here because I won. I want to win. I’m so pragmatic, guys. Concede few goals and score more goals.
“I have to learn about the players, know the players, but to build something you need time.”
Guardiola has not been helped by injuries and suspensions and he confirmed Ilkay Gundogan needs surgery on his season-ending anterior cruciate ligaments injury.
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