Sports
Guardiola will leave Man City if he looses UCL — Clarence Seedorf
Four-time Champions League winner, Clarence Seedorf, has sparked speculation about the future of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, raising the question of whether the Spaniard would consider leaving the club if they fail to secure victory against Inter Milan in the upcoming Champions League final.
Seedorf, renowned for his illustrious career and the unique achievement of winning the prestigious trophy with three different teams—Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan—shares a deep understanding of the essence of Champions League success.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Seedorf vividly recalls the painful defeat suffered by AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final against Liverpool, where they infamously relinquished a 3-0 lead and eventually lost on penalties. He described it as “Liverpool’s destiny” to emerge triumphant on that memorable night in Istanbul.
Now, 18 years later, Inter Milan, Milan’s local rivals, are preparing to face Manchester City in Istanbul, aiming to secure their fourth Champions League title while thwarting City’s pursuit of a historic treble.
Although Guardiola’s Manchester City has dominated English football in recent seasons, winning multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups, the elusive Champions League trophy still eludes them. Guardiola’s side came agonizingly close in 2021 when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the final.
Last season, they squandered a 5-3 aggregate lead against Real Madrid in the semi-finals, intensifying Guardiola’s desire to break the curse and lift the coveted trophy.
When questioned about Guardiola’s potential reaction if Manchester City were to triumph over Inter Milan and secure the Champions League crown, Seedorf expressed his belief that Guardiola would be motivated to continue, eyeing the opportunity to repeat the success in the following season. Seedorf highlighted the trend of successful teams often reaching the final repeatedly.
However, Seedorf suggested that should Guardiola’s side fail to claim victory, the Spaniard might contemplate departing from his managerial role at Manchester City.
“The European cycle for City has already been going on,” Seedorf continued.
“They just haven’t converted it yet. “So thinking about it like that, it might be a choice for him to say, ‘okay this is the moment to leave and let somebody else come in’.”
Seedorf argued that City’s European campaign has been ongoing, and the inability to convert it into Champions League success could prompt Guardiola to consider a new chapter.
Nonetheless, Seedorf emphasized that even if Manchester City falls short in the final, it should not diminish the remarkable accomplishments of the club throughout the season. Having secured the Premier League and FA Cup titles, Guardiola’s side has undoubtedly enjoyed a remarkable campaign.
Seedorf also provided insights into the motivations of Inter Milan’s players ahead of the final. He highlighted the excellent form of captain Lautaro Martinez and the personal motivation of former Manchester City player Edin Dzeko, who will be eager to make an impact against his former club.
Additionally, Seedorf suggested that Romelu Lukaku, with his troubled history with Manchester United and Chelsea, could showcase his best performance, although he speculated that Lukaku might start the game on the bench.
Furthermore, Seedorf acknowledged Inter Milan’s ability to patiently wait for opportunities and suggested that the match’s outcome might be determined after regular time, considering Inter’s reputation for tactical discipline and resilience.
As Manchester City remains the favored side to lift the Champions League trophy, Seedorf refrained from naming any current City players who could match the level of AC Milan’s legendary 2005 team.
He lavishly praised his former teammates, describing them as one of the greatest teams in the history of football, showcasing an exceptional defensive lineup along with exceptional midfield and attacking talents.
The stage is set for a clash of titans as Manchester City aims to cement their place among the footballing greats, while Inter Milan seeks to outwit their opponents and deny Guardiola the ultimate prize he craves.
The outcome of the Champions League final will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, shaping the future narrative for both teams and their respective managers.
