Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has launched an attack on Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following his side’s exit from this year’s Champions League, a tournament they were favourites to win.
The Champions League trophy has eluded Guardiola’s side for six straight seasons now and the Spaniard’s failure to deliver the prize has put him under the microscope.
Following City’s 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid last week, Evra has labeled Guardiola’s side as a team ‘based on money’. Furthermore, he has raised doubts over Guardiola’s suitability for different personalities.
“Manchester City needs leaders, but Guardiola doesn’t want leaders,” Evra told Prime Video, via Marca. “He doesn’t want personality. He’s the leader.
“That’s why when they’re in trouble they don’t want to. They don’t have anyone on the pitch to help them. He chooses his teams like that, he can’t train people with personality. He did it at Barcelona, but he builds his team to control everyone.
“When things go wrong, he always decides.”
Amid their exit from the Champions League, reports have emerged that Erling Haaland, the prolific Bundesliga striker, is closing in on a big-money move to the Etihad Stadium.
City’s financial power is not lost on anyone but Evra has drawn similarities to another club with a similar rise to stardom. Paris Saint-Germain, who have won their domestic league eight times out of the last 10 years, are also without a European cup to show for their success.
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“They remind me of PSG: they are clubs based on money,” Evra added. “Real Madrid also has money, but it has a story behind it; Manchester City only has money and the players go to play there solely for that
“Then they win trophies, of course, but a player chooses to go to Manchester City only because it offers you more.”
SN’s verdict…
Manchester City’s dominance in England is undeniable – they have been the most consistent team for the past five years but that has failed to translate into European glory.
With still zero European honours to their name, Evra could be right in questioning the club’s strategy. From a Manchester United supporter’s viewpoint, it wouldn’t be the worst thing if their tally stays the same. One thing’s for sure – it will this season.