Manchester City news: Carles Puyol believes Pep Guardiola has his toughest test ever at the Etihad but will change the face of English football
Barcelona legend believes the former Nou Camp chief will revolutionise the game in England
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CARLES PUYOL is backing Pep Guardiola to succeed at Manchester City - despite calling it his 'biggest challenge' yet.
The former Barcelona and Spain centre-back, 38, believes the Etihad chief is the 'best coach he ever worked with', after the pair won two Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles during their time at the Nou Camp.
And Puyol is confident that Guardiola will not only succeed in England, but revolutionise the game in this country.
He said: "It’s the biggest challenge for Guardiola, but I think he will change football in England.
“A lot of people say football is different in England to other countries but the way Guardiola works and puts pressure on his players will change football here a bit.
"His biggest challenge is to change the direct style of football. Now in England the football is more direct, with big centre-backs — I couldn’t play here, because I’m too small.
"Guardiola wants to start playing from the back with intelligent play from the goalkeeper. It doesn’t mean he won't play long, like against Manchester United when they scored a goal with three touches, but it’s the whole style."
Under their new boss, City were unbeaten in the league until their 2-0 defeat to Spurs at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
But Puyol is confident that the players will adapt to the way Guardiola plays - and will adopt the style he employed so successfully with Barca and Bayern Munich.
He continued: "Pep is based on ball possession and playing from the back.
"I have seen his influence on the team very quickly. He is doing very well, he has very clear ideas which he tries to transmit to the players.
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"He is the best coach I ever worked with and I’m pleased to see him in England.”
Manchester City are next in action against Everton following the international break, before Guardiola's men face a daunting trip to face Barcelona in the Champions League group stage.
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