Manchester City recently managed to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table with a victory over Brentford. However, despite this win, manager Pep Guardiola was seen in a heated exchange with one of his players, indicating that all might not be well behind the scenes.
For those who attended this particular fixture at The Tunnel Club, they would have had to part with two or three hundred notes for a ticket. Whether it was money well spent depends on what you were looking for from your visit.
If you were hoping for exhilarating, fast-paced and muscular football, then you may have felt short-changed. However, if your aim was to witness Pep Guardiola in his element - frenetic and passionate - then it could be argued that every penny was worth it.
Guardiola never hides away from showing his emotions to players
Guardiola is known for his intense will to win which often makes him appear as though he is on the brink of emotional collapse. Despite this pressure and expectation that weighs heavily on his teams, he has proven time and again that he can handle it. His collection of trophies stands testament to his ability to maintain composure under pressure while demonstrating clinical tactical brilliance.
However, the Gunners regain their impressive stride and Liverpool maintains their steady title gallop, there is no denying that the heat is now firmly on Guardiola.
The tension surrounding Guardiola became evident during Tuesday night’s match when he gave Oscar Bobb an extensive talking-to as they emerged for the second half. Further signs were visible when he pleaded with spectators to calm down as frustrations began boiling over due to City’s slow build-ups.
Guardiola appeared unimpressed with City's performance
Perhaps most tellingly though was when Erling Haaland broke through just after 70 minutes into play; in response Guardiola repeatedly kicked a drinks bucket in an angry celebration.
Guardiola has stated that there is only a remote chance of his side repeating the treble. However, this does not mean he isn't desperate to achieve exactly that. This ambition is why he puts such intense pressure on himself, a fact now well-known to those who were in the posh seats for this match.
While Manchester City may have secured a win in the Brentford fixture, it appears that tensions are running high within the team and with their manager. As the Premier League continues, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out on and off the pitch.
