Joan Laporta: ‘If City backs Guardiola as he deserves, he will succeed’

Guardiola and Laporta formed one of the greatest Barcelona teams in the recent past and went on to win three La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, three Spanish Supercups and two Club World Cups.

Published : Jun 17, 2017 11:19 IST

Guardiola had a trophy-less first season at Manchester City but Laporta believes it is only a matter of time before he delivers.
Guardiola had a trophy-less first season at Manchester City but Laporta believes it is only a matter of time before he delivers.
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Guardiola had a trophy-less first season at Manchester City but Laporta believes it is only a matter of time before he delivers.

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City’s project and called out to the owners to show support for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.

Guardiola and Laporta formed one of the greatest Barcelona teams in the recent past and went on to win three La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, three Spanish Supercups and two Club World Cups, while facilitating the growth of modern day superstars such as Lionel Messi, Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique.

Guardiola had a trophy-less first season at Manchester City but Laporta believes it is only a matter of time before he delivers.

"If City back him as he deserves he will succeed," Laporta told The Guardian .

"He is an optimist, a winner and he is brave. He won't hide.

"Pep looked very well. He was here for a few days, so we met up and he was very upbeat. He is happy at City, optimistic he can build something.

"The way they plan to go about strengthening the team, I think they are going to be extremely strong. The fans will be very excited.

"I don't know what they are going to do! What I do know, and very well, is Pep and Txiki Begiristain and that they are capable of building a team that will enthuse people."

Guardiola won three Bundesliga titles and two German cups in his three seasons with Bayern Munich and Laporta believes his success in Germany shows the manager’s ability to deliver if varying football cultures.

"Pep's record speaks for itself. Everywhere has its idiosyncrasies. He knew Barcelona as a kid but was successful at Bayern and I'm convinced he will be at City. He is lucky to work with Txiki [Begiristain] and Ferran Soriano, who trust him. That's peace of mind," Laporta said.

"When I saw Pep he was animated, enthusiastic, excited for the future. He's smart, has emotional intelligence, an ability to convince.

"It is not easy: the Premier League's a challenge and there are two great teams in the city but he is the world's best coach and could have gone anywhere. He chose City because they'd have the faith, letting him build the project he has in mind.

"He will make his mark. If you watch City last season they passed the ball well but it doesn't happen overnight. You need the right players. They will bring in players who suit the system he wants, which doesn't have to be identical to Barca. He is intelligent, he will adapt. He will create an identity, a connection."

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