The whole world is smitten - Xavi lauds Guardiola's City

Manchester City is sweeping all before it under Pep Guardiola, whose former pupil Xavi is firmly among the number of admirers.

Published : Dec 21, 2017 14:17 IST

Manchester City's team spirit has been one of the keys to their impressive winning run.
Manchester City's team spirit has been one of the keys to their impressive winning run.
lightbox-info

Manchester City's team spirit has been one of the keys to their impressive winning run.

"The whole world is smitten" with Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Manchester City side, according to Barcelona legend Xavi.

City heads into Saturday's visit of Bournemouth boasting an 11-point lead atop the Premier League, fierce rival Manchester United its closest challenger.

Guardiola's men were celebrating again on Tuesday as a penalty shoot-out success over Leicester City secured a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals, where it will take on Bristol City, shock winner over United in the last-eight.

Read: Korey Smith seals upset win over Man United

The former Barca boss dismissed talk of a potential quadruple earlier this week but one of his former pupils believes even fans of the Red Devils would begrudgingly admire the displays being produced across Manchester.

"City are the most in-form side in Europe," Xavi told Catalunya Radio. "Pep found the formula for how he wanted to play. It's an obsession with his ideas, very methodical, and the players are doing well.

"The players touch the ball between 70 and 90 times. They will all tell you now that they are really enjoying themselves. The whole world is smitten.

"His DNA is that of Barca. He is brilliant, unique, an esteemed coach. He can get his message across, he has personality."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment