Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola does not have the warmest of relationships with Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino.
That is according to the Independent.
So, what was written about Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, this is an interesting piece of information.
The Independent’s story centres around Pochettino’s relationship with Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea on Saturday.
It is said that the 41-year-old could have become No.2 to the Argentine at PSG after ending his playing career at Arsenal.
However, the Spaniard opted to team up with Guardiola at Manchester City instead.
The Independent then make a point of saying that Arteta’s friendship with Pochettino “persisted” despite that decision, as the South American does not get on too well with Guardiola at all.
Unfortunately, there was no elaboration from that point onwards.
Manchester City boss Guardiola has previously praised Chelsea tactician Pochettino
It is strange to hear that Guardiola and Pochettino do not have a good relationship, as the £378,846-a-week tactician has previously praised the Argentine on numerous occasions.
As quoted by the Guardian, the 52-year-old called the Argentine an “excellent manager” during his time at PSG, to give one example.
There has never seemed to be any obvious animosity, so the Independent’s revelation is an intriguing one.
If there really is bad blood between Guardiola and Pochettino, we doubt the Spaniard will be recommending him as his replacement at the Etihad Stadium.
One tactician the Manchester City boss does believe can step into his shoes is Roberto De Zerbi.
According to the Telegraph, Guardiola told his players last season that the Italian is a future Manchester City manager after his Brighton side shone at the Etihad Stadium.
If De Zerbi is the man to replace Guardiola, then it would be a superb appointment – in our view at least.
