Former Man United player Gary Neville is of the opinion that Pep Guardiola’s title hopes will be decided when winter comes, and he has advised the Spanish boss to imitate Sir Alex Ferguson’s tactics.
Guardiola is yet to lose a single game in all competitions this season so far, and his side currently sits five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Last season, the citizens were in a similar position before falling away, ending the season on the third spot.
And Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes all is based on the South American players in Pep’s team who are not used to colder climates in the UK.
Manchester City has four Brazilian players, two Argentines, as well as a Chilean, and Neville has raised an important point.
When Alex Ferguson was still boss at Old Trafford, he has some similar issues with the Portuguese trio of Nani, Ronaldo and Anderson – but he would allow them return home during such periods for some days.
And Gary feels Guardiola could learn from this.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football (via goal) Neville, who has been impressed with Pep Guardiola’s side so far, believes the true test will be coming in November, December and January – the months he tagged ‘the toughest months to play football’.
He believes Man City can win the premier league only if they can continue their impressive run through the winter period – which is filled with lots of games, bad weather, festive celebrations and injuries.