Let me ask you something. If a club is wealthy and attractive enough to employ the best manager who is then given the funds to buy the best players, does that guarantee success?
I am talking, of course, about Manchester City, the club lying on the cusp of making history if they beat Watford tomorrow in the FA Cup Final to become the first team ever to clinch England’s domestic treble.
Supporters of other clubs naturally deride City’s dominance, claiming it’s all down to petro dollars pouring in from Abu Dhabi, where no expense is spared to ensure their ‘plaything’ finishes on top.
And you’ve got to have a fair bit of sympathy for that particular argument, seeing as the rest of the Premier League cannot afford to operate on the same level.
For a time, it was the same with Chelsea and Roman Abramovich. People thought the Russian oligarch had simply bought success by throwing money around. But is there more to it than that in City’s case? Or was it simply a formality that once Pep Guardiola took charge trophies would start piling up at a steady rate?
Well, I think it was a formality, not so much because Pep had millions to spend, more that he possessed the outstanding coaching ability and rabid desire to keep pushing top players to ever-greater heights. There aren’t many about like that.
Jose Mourinho was similar in his first spell at Chelsea. Just like Guardiola, he had a precious gift for extracting every ounce of effort from super-talented individuals. Really, that’s what it boils down to in situations like this — earmarking a manager who can expertly command a group of multi-millionaires who quickly lose their edge under the wrong leader. You’ve only got to look across town at Manchester United to see how things can implode when the set-up isn’t right.
So, all hail Guardiola, a very special character destined to go down as one of the greatest football coaches that ever lived. And it isn’t just his impact on the training ground where he continually demands ultra-high standards.
Look at the players brought into the club. I mean, the world wasn’t really talking excitedly about Aymeric Laporte when the Frenchman was bought from Athletic Bilbao. But Pep and his colleagues saw something special in a defender who has gone on to excel as a City lynchpin.
It’s the same for Bernardo Silva. Yes, everyone knew of his talent at Monaco, but who could have predicted the little Portuguese playmaker would blossom like this? The player himself naturally deserves a lot of credit, but so does Guardiola for having the vision.
The Spaniard, in fact, has a hand in everything. Whatever happens on that pitch can usually be traced back to the man’s influence. Granted, Manchester City have all the money in the world. But without their manager’s genius, it would quickly devalue.
How I think Watford can spring a shock...
Using their Key Man Troy Deeney
Playing up top on his own, the burly centre-forward has got to be cute with his movement to occupy City’s centre-backs. The skipper represents Watford’s heart and soul and a good game from him lifts everyone else.
Pressing the keeper
City have few weaknesses, of course — but will Watford have the courage to press high when Ederson has the ball at his feet? It might be worth a try, given the keeper likes to take risks.
Best Chance of Stopping City Defend deep and in numbers to prevent them from slipping round the back. After that, it’s about staying organised, working tirelessly for each other and enjoying that essential bit of luck. Up the other end, set pieces could be dangerous with Watford’s height and power.
...and Countering the Carousel
It is incredibly difficult getting a grip on City’s midfield where the movement and speed of passing can be dizzyingly swift. But in Abdoulaye Doucoure and Etienne Capoue, Watford are blessed with a solid partnership bearing a good understanding that can at least offer the defence welcome protection.
Impact from the bench
As shown in the semi-final against Wolves, Gerard Deulofeu can do things with a football most others can’t. But the hard bit for Watford is staying in the contest long enough to use their special weapon. If they can manage that, the Spaniard could produce something extraordinary.
