Dubai: With all their wealth of talent and, well, wealth, Manchester City have one overriding factor that gives them an edge their rivals cannot touch – the Guardiola golden touch.
In an age of bitter barbs between managers – Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Arsene Wenger, we are looking at you – and outspoken criticism of players and officials when things don’t go your way – still looking at you, Jose and Arsene – Pep’s mild-mannered approach is a breath of fresh air.
It’s no wonder his players thrive, grow in confidence and give their all for a man who brings a paternal touch rather than an iron fist to the training ground and touchline.
City’s star men have all been thriving under Guardiola this season.
The once-timid Kevin De Bruyne is now a world-class force to be reckoned with, while strikers Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus have 10 goals each.
However, one man who epitomises what the Spanish coach has created at the Etihad is Raheem Sterling.
Much like his boss, the Englishman is a mild-mannered character who quietly goes about his business and has struck 11 times already the season, one more than the whole of last term in just 17 games.
Guardiola has brought out the best in Sterling, who cut a lost figure at times in the earlier part of last season and a man shorn of confidence before his coach took him under his wing.
Guardiola himself best illustrates his caring guidance and modesty.
“All the credit is Raheem’s. Of course I believe in him,” he said in December after yet another match-winner from Sterling.
“I didn’t discover Raheem, the player he is. The quality is his talent. He did it at Liverpool.”
Talent is one thing, but it is the confidence Guardiola has instilled in his charge that has made the difference.
And Sterling repaid the compliment when he was asked about his coach’s mentoring.
“One of the best things about him is that simple stuff that you might not pick up on yourself,” said Sterling. “He watches over and gives you an idea of what you can do better.”
Guardiola has made no secret about the fact that Sterling’s development was one of his projects when he arrived at City.
The evidence is now apparent that his guidance and approach is second to none, especially with young players.
And with many more youngsters such as Phil Foden coming through the ranks at City’s academy, Guardiola can turn his attention to helping them realise their potential and rise to the top just like Sterling.
