Skip to content

Pep Guardiola insists winning trophies at Man City is more important than his philosophy

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Pep Guardiola insists winning trophies is more important than instilling a philosophy at Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola insists winning trophies is more important than instilling a philosophy at Manchester City.

A mixed first season at the Etihad has seen City head into April out of the Premier League title race and the Champions League, with only the FA Cup and finishing in the top four left to play for.

Despite that, Guardiola told Sky Sports, ahead of their Super Sunday clash with Arsenal, that the most important thing about his job is still silverware.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Arsenal fans will support Arsene Wenger again when he starts winning games

"I think it would be so arrogant for me to think I came here to change or introduce [a philosophy]," he said. "I am here to win titles and games and then the people will be happy with the way we played.

"I can assure you it was like that from the first day I met the chairman, Txiki [Begiristain], and my press conference here, I am not going to show you how managers are going to win a game, but I assure you the people will at least be proud of what they do.

Wenger v Guardiola
Wenger v Guardiola

Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola's head-to-head record ahead of Arsenal v Manchester City

"After I leave, like at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, people outside will judge me on the job I have done, and the players I worked with every day will say: 'Okay, Pep helped me to be a better player', while others will say: 'Pep did not help me in any way to be a better player'. That is how it happens in all places."

His opposite number on Sunday, Arsene Wenger, has faced mounting criticism from Arsenal fans this season after another season of failing to challenge for the top honours, but Guardiola believes the Frenchman's status as their most successful boss will remain.

Also See:

Live Nissan Super Sunday

"Arsene will remain the best manager in the history of Arsenal forever," said Guardiola. "If you judge by the titles, his legacy and the way they play, the stadium and for many other reasons, it is not just all in the numbers.

"He has remained there for 20 years because he has done many, many amazing things."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Guardiola doesn't doubt Alexis Sanchez's commitment to Arsenal

And ahead of the match at the Emirates, Guardiola says he expects his side to dominate possession, but is wary of Arsenal as a counter-attacking force.

"Arsenal never beat me in possession, they are a counterattacking team," he said. "They want the ball, but they are going to counter-attack. If you let them play, they will have a lot of possession and will kill you. Of course they have quality.

"But if you are aggressive in the high pressing, they are a counter-attacking team."

Watch the complete interview with Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal's game with Man City on Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday from 3.30pm

Around Sky