Micah Richards dismissed claims by Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live that Pep Guardiola has turned into Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho this season given Manchester City’s defensive start to the campaign.
In previous years, Man City have blitzed teams to shreds, but during this campaign, they have found life tough in front of goal.
Whilst those at the Etihad struggle, the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are thriving near the top – although the latter have lost back-to-back matches.
Former Man City defender Richards was asked whether Pep is turning into Mourinho given their defensive style this season and he issued this response.
“No,” said Richards. “We talk about Man City, how good they have played and how expansive they have been.
“But then a lot of people will say ‘oh, they only have one way of playing and if that don’t work then they don’t have a plan B’.
“He then goes into a plan B and people are saying he’s being negative. For me, that’s just adjusting to what he needs to go forward with his team.
“We have got to give credit to the teams around them. Liverpool are stronger. Chelsea are stronger. Spurs are stronger. Leicester, we don’t even mention Leicester. They are creeping up the table.”
In truth, it is a bit of a myth that Mourinho’s teams don’t score goals because only Liverpool and Chelsea have outscored them this season.
One have a formidable front three at their disposal and are Premier League champions, whilst Frank Lampard has spent a bucket load on a new attack.
Regardless of why Man City are playing so poorly will remain up for debate, but one thing is for sure, it’s making the Premier League a lot better this term.
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