Malesela comments on Hunt’s claims that Pep Guardiola is ‘bad’ for football
Marumo Gallants head coach Dan Malesela has commented on Gavin Hunt’s claims that renowned Manchester City FC coach Pep Guardiola is ‘bad’ for football.
Hunt made these remarks on Prime Sports with Mahlatse, revealing that everyone wants to copy the Spanish tactician.
Guardiola’s possession-oriented approach, characterized by his emphasis on building play from the back, has had a significant impact on the tactics of numerous coaches worldwide.
In contrast, Hunt favours a direct style with a focus on wing play and scoring from set pieces or long passes into the final third.
With a wealth of experience, the 60-year-old coach has established himself as a dominant force in South African football. His trophy cabinet includes three consecutive league titles with SuperSport United and another championship with Bidvest Wits.
The well-travelled coach also coached teams such as Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows, Kaizer Chiefs, and, Chippa United.
WHAT DID DAN MALESELA SAY ABOUT HUNT’S CLAIMS ABOUT PEP GUARDIOLA?
Following Hunt’s controversial remarks about Guardiola, Dan Malesela has added his voice and asked, “Who wants to watch a team that plays aerial balls?”
“If anyone thinks Manchester City’s football is boring, then it’s okay. I don’t think everyone is taking things from Pep because I played positional football way before I knew Pep,” Malesela said when asked about Gavin Hunt’s views on Guardiola’s style of play.
“Let me put it this way: would it be nice to see the ball going in the air all the time? I was telling someone that when you see an aeroplane from OR Tambo [international airport], can you be able to tell that this one is going to this destination?
“Same thing applies with the ball, when it’s in the air, no one knows where it’s going and that will be boring for people.
“But when it is on the ground, you know where the pass is going unless it’s intercepted in short spaces, and that’s what people want to see. They want to see players on the ball, not off the ball.”
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