Sergio Aguero was only managed by top-class coaches during his unforgettable spell at Manchester City such as Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola.
However, Aguero spent a majority of his time at City under Guardiola’s keen eye — spending five seasons working alongside him, three under Pellegrini and two under Mancini.
As a result, it is likely that the former Manchester City striker has perhaps seen every possible side of Pep Guardiola’s instead of the legendary manager’s two predecessors at the club.
Aguero revealed Guardiola can be “exhausting” to work with due to his constant demands from his squad to win every possible game; a trait that the retired goalscorer appreciates about the two-time treble-winning tactician.
The Argentine also added that Pep Guardiola’s winning mentality is a key reason behind City’s rousing success.
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Sergio Aguero says Pep Guardiola “will never change” his style of play
Guardiola effectively rejected the Brazil job by revealing that his intention remains to help Manchester City return to the “top level” after their recent 4-1 hammering at the hands of Sporting CP.
Despite having won as many trophies as he has at the Etihad Stadium, the Catalan’s statement of intent was indicative of his relentless pursuit for a challenge.
Sergio Aguero told Sky Sports that a trait Pep Guardiola possesses that other managers do not is that regardless of the circumstances, he does not deviate from his style of play.
Aguero said: “The good thing about Pep [Guardiola] is that his teams will always show the same playing style. Even if he loses, he’ll try to do the same, to keep the essence of the team, and he won’t change. He’ll always go for the win by being aggressive in attack and keeping the ball.”
“Other coaches may want their teams to be aggressive and retain the ball in some games, but they’ll sometimes change in others. Guardiola will never change his identity, no matter who the rival is.”
In his first season at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s side had their fair share of struggles.
| 2016/2017 MAN CITY PREMIER LEAGUE STATS | ||||||
| POINTS | WINS | LOSSES | DRAWS | GOALS FOR | GOALS AGAINST | GOAL DIFFERENCE |
| 78 | 23 | 6 | 9 | 80 | 39 | 41 |
So much so that in 2020, Erik ten Hag called Guardiola out as he felt the former Bayern Munich boss did not adapt to the Premier League’s pace and power.
Despite embarrassing 4-0 and 4-2 defeats to Everton and Leicester City respectively, the Spaniard stuck to his guns and the rest is history.
Guardiola promised he won’t change his philosophy at Man City in 2016
In December 2016, Pep Guardiola bravely defended his footballing philosophy and vowed not to change his ways.
Guardiola said via Reuters: “No way. We are going to play the way I feel. I believe in the way I like to play, I am sorry.”
“If I cannot do that, the chairman will decide. But there’s no way I will change. Of course, I have to adapt, but that doesn’t mean I change the way I believe. You have to play in this kind of way. It’s the best way.”
The six-time Premier League winner added: “I thought maybe it would be shorter to adapt but I am pretty sure it will happen. If people want me to fail, there’s nothing I can say. Here you have to control the second ball. Without that, you cannot survive. We were able to do it earlier in the season.”
It’s safe to say that Pep Guardiola’s persistence paid off at Manchester City.
Sergio Aguero would have been proud of Guardiola’s mindset as it helped him become a part of a side that won three league titles amongst other trophies.
