Pep Guardiola Praised as "Genius" by Ex-Premier League Star

As of November 11th, 2025, former Premier League midfielder Charlie Adam has praised Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, calling him a "genius" for his ability to evolve and adapt to the challenges of the English top flight. Adam, who previously played for Liverpool, Stoke City, and Scotland, believes that City can "never be ruled out" of the Premier League title race, despite their slow start to the current season.

However, former striker Chris Sutton has expressed concerns over City's reliance on star striker Erling Haaland. Haaland has scored 14 of City's Premier League goals so far this campaign, with the next highest scorer on just one goal. Sutton warned that if anything were to happen to Haaland, it would still be a "massive concern" for the reigning champions.

Despite these doubts, Adam remains confident in Guardiola's ability to lead City to success, stating that the Spanish tactician has "understood what the challenges of the Premier League are and he is willing to change." The former player believes that City can still go on a run of 10 or 12 consecutive wins, showcasing their ability to bounce back and mount a serious title challenge.