Tactics versus freedom: Manchester City's Pep Guardiola answers a significant football debate

One criticism aimed at Pep Guardiola, especially during his time at Manchester City, revolves around an idea that he devoids players of their creativity.

Many believe that due to the Catalan’s possession-based system, attacking players are forced to stifle their natural creative instincts.

The critics believe that while it is undeniable that his Manchester City sides play an attractive brand of football, his players adhere to such set instructions that they are guilty of being robotic on the pitch.

For instance, several fans have suggested that despite Riyad Mahrez’s rousing success at City, he is no longer the showman he once was during his time at Leicester City.

The detractors have had similar grievances with Pep Guardiola’s handling of Jack Grealish.

The 26 year-old was once compared to Three Lions icon, Paul Gascoigne for being a creative maverick with the ball at his feet.

The now-£100 million man was also widely considered as the most entertaining player in the Premier League during his time at Aston Villa in recent years.

However, Pep Guardiola’s intricate system has meant that Grealish has to play in a much more disciplined manner in possession, as opposed to taking men on left, right and centre as he used to at his boyhood club.

With the Manchester City boss often slandered for not letting instincts dictate his attackers’ games, he was quizzed about whether creativity can be kept intact amidst a complex tactical setup.

“It's a good debate but tactics is to help them express the talents.

"I use the tactics to create some patterns, everyone can be more comfortable, more time in the expressions with their talents.

He continued, "Defensively, to take the ball as far as possible from goal, if I can create more chances for the strikers to score, this is tactics.

"I don't say do whatever you want because that's chaos.

"Tactics isn't against the creativity for the players.

"It's easier for them because we are seven seasons together, it's not difficult," he explained during a recent press conference.

It is worth noting that Pep Guardiola’s progressive tactics add direction to his attackers’ games, which coupled with their natural creative instincts help build the ultimate best versions of themselves on the pitch.