Say what you may about the Spanish tactician, but there will always be a debate if he is the real deal. His CV is impressive, adored by the footballing world even made Jose Mourinho look like an apprentice coach when he was at Barcelona. But can we say he's one of the greats? I've spoken with many people and the topic of Guardiola never building a team from scratch always comes up, he's always inherited great squads, and it will be the same where he takes the helm at Manchester City.
As much as we are all in awe of Pep. For me a world class manager builds from the foundation, okay in 2008 where he took charge of the Barcelona's first team and he shipped out Deco, Ronaldinho and co and brought in Pedro, Busquets from the youth, it doesn't compare to what Sir Alex did when he built around 5 teams in his 26 year stay in Old Trafford. In my honest opinion Guardiola has slightly improved teams. Like I said his history is immense and he's one of the top coaches in world football, but can he go to small team or a sleeping giant and take them to new heights like Wenger did with Arsenal, like Mourinho did with Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan? I doubt it like it doesn't take a rocket scientist to get a team of gifted players and win trophies, but getting average players, bringing youth and signing top players to make a team gel and winning silverware is another. It'll be fascinating how he handles the Premiership but if he's not successful at the Ethiad we might just see if he's really on top of his game or will the cracks begin to show on the wall.
