Guardiola handed Blues trial

August 10, 2005

MANCHESTER City have handed Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola a week's trial.

Guardiola has recently been playing in Qatar for Al-Ahli, where he won the player of the year award last season, report City's official site.

The 34-year-old spent 17 years at Barca and after spells at Roma and Brescia it appeared Guardiola was ready to finish his career in Qatar.

However, Guardialo, who has won 43 caps for Spain, could yet see another year of top-level action as the Blues search for midfield creativity.

Would you like to see Guardiola at City? Have your say.

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DUNCAN, MONTON (10/08/2005 at 11:02)

IF THIS IS THE SORT OF PLAYER WE ARE LOOKING AT WE MIGHT AS WELL PLAY THE YOUNGSTERS. GUARDIOLA WAS QUALITY BUT AT 34 AND NEVER THE MOST SUITED TO THE ENGLISH GAME IT SEEMS A COMPLETE DESPERATION SIGNING. WHAT ABOUT NAKATA ?

The Blue Meanie, Pepperland (10/08/2005 at 11:02)

No way. The club is heading back to becoming Dad's Army rescuing ex-legends well past their sell by dates. Come on Stu, we still have B#8m left to spend and we can get two excellent players for that.

Rob, South Stand Blue (10/08/2005 at 11:10)

McManaman with a sun tan. As good as he may have been, i think 90% of CITY fans are dead against the siging over these type of players because of the disaster we had with them under KK. There is an argument for siging them, Allardyce seems to get a good level of performance out of them, but as far as i'm concerned i have lost all confidence in signing players who have been there and done it and looking for 1 more big pay day. CTID

Reidus, Sheffield (10/08/2005 at 11:13)

LEts hijac Bolton's Nakata move. He is good age and a playmaker that also works hard for the team.

The Kippax Kid, Irlam (10/08/2005 at 11:16)

I know that this guy is 34 but if he could get us through a season and he is on the cheap then why not? I admit that buying 30+ players didn't work under Keegan but I think Pearce is a very good judge of character and if he suspects this guy isn't going to give his all then I don't think he would be interested. This guy won the Player Of The Year after his first year in Qatar so he can't be that bad. Look at Bolton, Big Sam did the same thing as KK, buying older players to get them through a season but Big Sam's signings proved to have a bigger impact on the PL than the likes of McMuppet did! For a season, or maybe only up to January, he could be the playmaker that we need. Its better than SP rushing into bringing a new player in, spending 5 mil and then leaving us skint! Bide your time Pearce, if there is no quality available then save your money for the January Sales. Cant wait for Saturday. I am getting giddy just thinking about it. Every year when you walk out into the stadium for the first time I love that tingle that you get down your spine. If you don't get that tingle then I think you have lost your love for the beautiful game! While I am on my high horse, has anyone seen our 3rd kit?? It looks like a cross between a referee and a keeper top! Its on the City Website if you want to check it out, go into the shop and its under "Replica" on the 3rd page. Blue Moon. You saw me standing alone...

Blues Clues, Failsworth (10/08/2005 at 11:17)

Erm, no thanks!
He doesn't really strike me as the player we need. I know that Ali B was into his 30's but SP appears to be building a side and to bring players in from the Qatar honeypot for one year is not the way to go. Although think about it, Bolton have the lure of European football so I'm sure Sam will be in for another has been!

Robert, New Mills (10/08/2005 at 11:17)

Yessss!

Exactly what we need. A midfield play-maker.

OK he's 34, but remember Ali?

The transfer window shuts soon. We've tried to sign qality midfielders but failed (Malbranque). What would you do carry on into the new season with the existing midfield?

Guardiola buys us time, and I'll be thrilled to see him in a City shirt.

We could be in a strong position in the Jan transfer window to attract a younger version.

Mark, M'cr (10/08/2005 at 11:20)

I cant believe people are frowning on this. Josep Guardiola at 50% of what he was is still better than 99% of players in his position in the premiership. for one year, on a free, its a great signing. Its not like KK's signings like macca, macca was never a legend. Guardiola was, and he's 34 - one year left in him i think. Would anybody take Lampard when he turns 34, i think they would, and Pep was twice as good. I think SP has an eye on Ireland watching him and learning from him, it will be great for the kid and great for the club.

Lee, Manchester (10/08/2005 at 11:20)

You've got to be joking City, say it ain't so? Over B#35m pocketed since January (Anelka, Macken, SWP, Prem prize money) and Bosvelt and Mcmanaman safely off the wag bill and this is the category of player we are "after." This and some Italian striker on a free transfer that we "just missed out on." Well pardon me Mr Wardle and the Board but losing your best player and having a squad of about 16, merits a few decent arrivals so where are they and what the hell is going on at our club?

Some explanations are required as to how we have degenerated into a complete farce since May, with the club's board hawking SWP in the press, then spinning the BS story that money would be spent to improve the squad when it clearly is not going to be.

A 12th-16th place finish, lower crowds, no cup-runs and absolutely no enthusiasm for the supporters will result this year unless the board and the club as a whole get their fingers out and start bring on board some younger, talented players. If you pay peanuts you get monkeys City - where the hell will aging 30 plus free transfer players leave us over the coming months? I cannot believe what I am seeing and hearing from City at present, and given our penchant for doing the simply unbelieveable, this is quite a statement but what the hell is going on and where has all the money been siphoned off to?

J, Manchester (10/08/2005 at 11:23)

I think I need a bit more persuasion on this one. Bit concerned about his age, although SP was about 38 when we signed him. Wonder if he is another of Ali's recommendations.

citymatt, catalunya (10/08/2005 at 11:31)

pep is old school he just sits and spreads the ball around. plus he's been out of action for a while, like redondo he dissapeared after moving to milan. don't expect a malbranque raiding midfielder, he would add a graceful elegance to the midfield, but he won't have the time on the ball he needs to play his game in the prem.

Ben, London (10/08/2005 at 11:34)

Would not mind provided we buy another midfielder of the Malbranque age and class. I don't like buying the oldies but that is a hangover from the KK days. This guy has been on top form in Italy and Qatar in the last few seasons and if his intentions are honourable then a one year deal would not be a disaster. We need flair and if he can give it to us then I don't care if he is 14, 24, 34 or even 74 for that matter.

Keg, Australia (10/08/2005 at 11:36)

When this lad was at Barcelona, the were winning trophies or there abous every year. When he left they turned into a mid table team until Ronaldiniho arived. He is a good short term fix, as long as it is not on high wages.

thrappy, rochdale (10/08/2005 at 11:36)

Kippax Kid, just looked at the 3rd kit. As a strip goes, it's not too bad I s'pose, but with black shorts and a black belly, the players will all look like Simon Cowell!. I think it's better than the blue away kit, there's too much going on there. BUT... neither of them are CITY! Mr Reebok, WHAT THE HELL'S WRONG WITH BLACK AND RED STRIPES??!!
As for Guardiola, if it's free, cheap wages (yeah right!) and to fill a gap for a year, then fair enough. Or rather SP could stop messing about and get back in for Steed! NOW!

citymatt, catalunya (10/08/2005 at 11:37)

stand corrected - pep ended up warming up the bench at roma not milan. rusty on the fate of la liga legends.

TRUE BLUE, MIDDLESBROUGH (10/08/2005 at 11:38)

Has Castelan moved anywhere?Agree with riedus and quite a few others.At 34 the pace of the premier takes its toll ask yourselves why Ali jacked it in to play in Qatar and why this guy is doing the same.Come on Stuart start buying young guys who will serve the club well for many years,not old has beens. We the supporters deserve the best for our hard earned cash and undying support.

Steve Grant, Gorton (10/08/2005 at 11:40)

"Playmaker" also known as as a "sand dancer" a player who goes missing when we don't have the ball or things get physical,mainly away from home. Berkovitch a clasic
example lasted about 8 half games at Pompey now playing "Mickey Mouse" football in Israel.
ALI BERNABIA AT 34 WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE PREMIERSHIP AND LEFT THE CLUB REMEMBER!

Naz, Deansgate (10/08/2005 at 11:40)

I think half the comments on here are from jealous fans from other teams.

There can't be that many stupid City fans surely?

Remember Ali B.

Transfer window shuts in 3 weeks. This way we keep the cash, get a midfield creator, and can strengthen when the opportunity arises in Jan or next Summer.

keep up with the rules of the game.

Speech, Manchester (10/08/2005 at 11:41)

Reidus. Spot on. Nakata is class! If he's available we should make a move for him

Big Ceeb, Bolton (10/08/2005 at 11:43)

Yes I know he's old but what have we got to lose for a season - and there's nothing to say we might not sign another midfielder. Hierro (even older) did a very tidy job for Bolton last year. The big question is has 'Pep' still got the legs? Money can't be motivator as he will be on a tidy packet in the sun. I can't see the big fuss over giving this one a try.

Mike, Manchester (10/08/2005 at 11:45)

What a signing!! I can't believe we are able to attract players one of the worlds best young talents from a club like Barcelona, I can't wait to see him threading througballs to that other exciting young prospect Andrew Cole, unbelieveable!! I'm so excited I'm going to stop playing my new Super Nintendo, put this CD on by this fresh new band called Oasis and then head off down the Hacienda to celebrate............Oh wait, it's not 1994!

Simon Edward Knott Johnson, M60 (10/08/2005 at 11:47)

I can't believe this one. I think I'll watch the cricket on Saturday,instead of my beloved blues.No-one cares at the club,why should I ?

This will be a bobbins signing,we're becoming like Garforth Town.Do you think we could hijack the Romario deal,surely he'll choose us over Town.

Dave Poynton, Poynton (10/08/2005 at 11:52)

I'm sure this is just speculation, as SP said he would never bring anyone to the club on past reputation or video evidence, but if it does go through I don't know why everyone is against it after all most people on here wanted Bosveldt to be given a new deal and he was 35!

Lee, Manchester (10/08/2005 at 11:53)

Naz, Deansgate - you've not really cottoned on to what makes a successful football team have you? Benarbia was a great player for City.......in division 1, but never really turned it on in the Prem so retired to Qatar to trouser as much cash as possible. Guardiola went to pasture in Qatar a year ago himself having failed a drugs test - marvellous. Yet you think he can cut it in the Prem. You obviously have never played the game at any level, nor understand what you watch every time you attend any City games do you?

andy, hyde (10/08/2005 at 11:57)

hes 34...bit young to be joining us isnt he?
to be fair though lets give him 30mins on the pitch before you all start slating him.sp will have something else up his sleeve im sure,i think what he is trying to do is get the squad numbers up for us.if he makes the pep signing followed up be other(younger) players that will do the business then at least we will have older heads aswell as players that will not only learn from them but will be able to do the business for us on the pitch now.
most of you city fans are too quick to judge and slag players off.

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