Guardiola praised for selling Zinchenko, Jesus

According to former midfielder Roy Keane, selling Gabriel Jesus, Joao Cancelo or Oleksandr Zinchenko helps coach Pep Guardiola keep Man City fresh and hungry to aim for the treble this season.

In the summer of 2022, Guardiola caused controversy when he sold some of Man City's key players to rivals in the Big 6 group. They let Raheem Sterling go to Chelsea for $57 million, Jesus and Zinchenko go to Arsenal for $55 and $39 million respectively. In the mid-season transfer window, the Spanish coach continued to surprise when he sent Cancelo to Bayern Munich on loan and did not buy a replacement left-back.

Sterling is one of three key players Guardiola has pushed away in the summer of 2022. Photo: AFP — Sterling is one of three key players Guardiola has pushed away in the summer of 2022. Photo: *AFP*

In contrast, Man City spent $150 million to recruit Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Manuel Akanji, Sergio Gomez and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Of these, Haaland was the most successful with 52 goals and eight assists in 50 matches in all competitions, breaking a series of records in the Premier League and Champions League. Akanji is a key factor in Guardiola's new three-man defensive system, with John Stones pushed into midfield when Man City has possession.

After Man City defeated Chelsea 1-0 in round 37 and received the Premier League trophy on the evening of May 21, Keane praised Guardiola for his strong action in eliminating players who wanted to leave or had conflicts. According to the former Man Utd midfielder, thanks to Guardiola's decisiveness, the Man City team always maintained their desire, determination and unity.

"The biggest challenge is always within the group and Guardiola clearly has great players with great personalities," Keane commented on Sky Sports . "Guardiola knows what he is doing, and he does it consistently. That is the sign of greatness. To keep winning, Guardiola always maintains the style of play, the hunger and the joy as if he had won the first title."

Since taking charge of Man City in the summer of 2016, Guardiola has helped the club dominate English football with five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, four League Cups and two Community Shields. Of these, Man City set a record of winning all four domestic titles in one season including the League Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield in the 2018-2019 season.

This season, after winning the Premier League, Man City will aim for a historic treble when they reach the FA Cup final against Man Utd on June 3 and the Champions League final against Inter on June 10. If they win both matches, Man City will repeat the feat of the same city club Man Utd in the 1998-1999 season.

"It's understandable to have arguments, but it's difficult to compare. I think Man Utd in 1999 could go toe-to-toe with the current Man City team," Keane said. "Man City are great in attack, but they also have a great goalkeeper and a solid defence. I love watching them."

Keane was the captain of the Man Utd team that won the treble in the 1998-1999 season, with outstanding players such as Peter Schmeichel, Jaap Stam, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Andy Cole, Paul Scholes and Dwight Yorke.

Hong Duy

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