Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez believes Pep Guardiola will be a success at Manchester City.
Benitez is currently not in management after a disappointing spell with Real Madrid but offered his thoughts on the managerial situation at City.
The 55-year old praised current boss Manuel Pellegrin but spoke glowingly of incoming manager Pep Guardiola.
As per the Mirror , he said:
Pellegrini is a very good manager – and a nice person as well. What Guardiola does or doesn’t do will not change that fact. I have a lot of respect for Pellegrini. Manchester City have won trophies under him. Let’s not forget that. As for Guardiola, I first met him a few years ago when Barcelona were playing at Valencia. The club had invited me over to receive what they call ‘a golden pin’ in recognition of the work I had done.
Benitez admits he was instantly impressed by his fellow Spaniard, who is obsessive in his approach to football and all that goes with it.
At the time, he was in charge at Barca and we had a chat. I was impressed. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about his coaching and management.I understand he works in a very methodical way. He is someone that will do well because first, he is a hard worker. But he is also driven to succeed. Very motivated to do well.
Guardiola has only previously managed in Spain and Germany and now faces a new challenge in England. Benitez expects City to improve their squad significantly as Guardiola looks to make his mark on the side.
It will be interesting to see what he does with the team. He likes players who can keep the ball, so these are the ones Manchester City will be looking for this summer. There will be a different feeling about them. And I expect Manchester City to strengthen in the summer as well. So if you ask me if he will be successful overall, I have to say that I think he will,
