When you ask rival coaches and other figures about Guardiola, one view is still widespread – and usually stated emphatically: "He is a genius."
Whether they actually like him as a person tends to elicit more layered responses, though that is largely beside the point here.
For a manager so many still describe as "the best in the world," this week serves as a reminder of an old flaw that may well be his greatest.
The return of just three Champions League titles in 17 seasons is underwhelming, given all the advantages Guardiola has enjoyed. Yes, three used to match Bob Paisley's historic record, but the game has changed. This has not been a case of a coach merely overseeing sides adapting to European football or riding the rise and fall of leagues, as Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger did over the years.
Guardiola twice managed teams considered the best in the world at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and it should never be forgotten that he completely reinvigorated the Catalan giants. He began winning at the top immediately and stayed there. At Manchester City, he has been indulged more than any manager in football history – genuinely no exaggeration. No other manager has ever had a project so meticulously curated around them, backed by the resources of Abu Dhabi and its state wealth.
He certainly maximised that in the Premier League. In the Champions League, however, Guardiola should have achieved much more – especially in recent seasons. He has been knocked out by Real Madrid before the semi-finals, and twice before the quarter-finals, across three successive campaigns.
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