Few English coaches can point to a background like Neil Warnock. Since 1980, the temperamental coach has had 18 different stints with English clubs. Warnock has disappeared several times into retirement, but is called back when there is a crisis at one club or another. Pep Guardiola blames Warnock “for City’s opponents coming to the Etihad “stop playing football.”
Guardiola has nine years as City manager, with six Premier League titles amassed. This season, most things are as they should not – or have been. In the Premier League, the reigning champions have lost games or points – also at the Etihad. Guardiola believes Warnock must take much of the blame for Premier League managers forgetting everything they stand for and taking a position for destructive football at the Etiahd.
“Everyone who came to the Etihad stayed. The first team I ever saw with a pure man set-up was Cardiff under Neil Warnock. Now everyone does. Everyone comes here and just does it,” Guardiola grumbled according to BBC Sport before the Chelsea players stepped out onto City’s pitch.
When Neil Warnock hears this, there is bound to be a characteristic grin from the 76-year-old. If there’s anyone he loves, it’s getting under the skin of one of the world’s best coaches.
