When Pep Guardiola’s appointment as Manchester City manager was confirmed in early 2016, there was certainly no shortage of sceptics.
Many believed that the Catalan boss' technical style of play would be a disaster waiting to happen in a division as physically demanding as the Premier League.
The doubters only grew after the former Bayern Munich manager struggled in his debut season in the north-west, with his side eventually finishing third and failing to lift a single trophy.
Advert
However, Pep Guardiola has seemingly never paid any mind to his critics, especially at the Etihad Stadium.
During the 2021/22 season, the decorated tactician and his Manchester City side were anything but distraught by their inability to complete a deal to sign Harry Kane last summer.
Instead, City went on to become Premier League champions for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Advert
The icing on the cake is that Manchester City did so by outclassing a tremendous Liverpool side over 38 games once again.
Considering the Merseyside outfit are one of the English top-flight’s greatest ever teams as well, the fact that the Sky Blues have managed to usurp them despite not replacing a player of Sergio Agüero’s ilk remains an incredible feat.
While the 92-point tally achieved by Liverpool would be enough to become champions in 23 out of the 30 total Premier League seasons, an opponent in Manchester City had other plans as they finished one point above their domestic rivals.
Advert
Ahead of the upcoming campaign, English football’s two dominant forces are set to lock horns once again in the FA Community Shield.
In the build-up to the battle, Jurgen Klopp praised Manchester City for their title triumph last term in his pre-match programme notes.
“Our respect for this (Manchester) City team could not be higher," Klopp exclaimed.
"They arrive here as champions and though we can be incredibly proud for pushing them all the way, they deserved their title and now our job is to start the race all over again."
Advert
Ultimately, the Reds could well have been crowned champions on the final day of the season.
As former player Coutinho extended Aston Villa’s lead to 2-0 in the 68th minute, a title win for Liverpool seemed written in the stars.
However, a miraculous five-minute comeback led by Ilkay Gundogan’s timely brace and a wondrous Rodri equaliser was a reminder of Manchester City’s unquestionable pedigree in the competition.
Advert
Ahead of the Community Shield, it is likely that both managers will be eyeing a victory to gain a psychological edge before the season begins.
While Pep Guardiola needs no reminding of Jurgen Klopp’s respect for his Manchester City side, he will drill the message of avoiding complacency before the new campaign as Liverpool are expected to have vengeance on their mind.
Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Community Shield
Srinivas Sadhanand