Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, pioneered Manchester City to have a flying start in Premier League grabbing six victories in first six fixtures and became clear favourites to lift the silverware in his first season in English football. However, things usually change rapidly in Premier League and 2016-17 is no different either.
Manchester City are definitely not out of the title race yet, but their recent downfall must be a huge concern for the high-profile Spanish boss. In their next eight league fixtures, City have only managed three victories and suffered two defeats including a 1-3 home vanquishment against Chelsea who have emerged as league leaders after eight consecutive wins under new boss Antonio Conte.
Guardiola, known for his robustness, has taken a few bold steps since his arrival: dropping Joe Hart to bench ( what forced him to join Torino on a season-long loan) and exiling veteran Yaya Toure from Champions League squad over disciplinary and fitness issues are the most notable ones. However, Toure’s agent Dimitri Seluk decided to instigate a verbal war after Yaya’s exclusion from Europe. Things went from bad to worse when Guardiola officially announced Toure’s banishment from all competitions until he receives an apology.
The Ivorian decided to ask for forgiveness on behalf of his agent and issued an apology letter a few weeks later:
“I wish to apologise – on behalf of myself and those who represent me – to the management team and all those working at the club for the misunderstandings from the past. Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there. I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club. I am immensely proud to have played a part in the club’s history and want to help City succeed further. I live to play football and entertain the fans. On that note, I would like to thank all of the fans for their messages through this difficult period. This means a great deal to me and my family.”
The 33-year-old midfielder has conquered two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups for the Citizens and has been a revolution in their midfield for past six campaigns since his move from Barcelona. Best suited in a box-to-box role, Toure has the ability to disorganise opposition’s midfield as well as the defence with his tireless runs and physicality.
Following only one victory in last five league outings, Guardiola handed Yaya a sensational return against Crystal Palace after almost three months of expulsion. The veteran Ivorian did not disappoint either: he single-handedly uplifted the spirit of the team bagging a brace and earned his side a much needed 1-2 victory over the Eagles in a tricky away fixture.
All are sorted out between Pep and Yaya now and the decorated midfielder has made City’s midfield more creative as well as flexible that became monotonous lately. Joe Hart, the abandoned City custodian, has welcomed Toure’s return and cited his belief in the Ivorian while having an interview with Omnisport:
‘Yaya’s a special player. I played with him for years, he’s got the ability to win you matches and win you, leagues. Whatever’s going on behind the scenes looks like it’s sorted and he can get on with playing his football.’
