‘Pep Guardiola ruined my career totally – it wasn’t nice meeting him’
One of football’s most decorated midfielders has made shocking claims about his experience under one of the most celebrated managers in the modern game. The star in question, known for his immense contribution to Manchester City’s golden era, recently opened up about how his relationship with the coach left a lasting negative impact on his career.
The player’s time in England was nothing short of legendary. From leading his club to its first Premier League title to securing domestic trophies with his signature flair, he became an icon of English football. However, a managerial change at his club in 2016 marked the beginning of a difficult chapter that would cast a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career.
Yaya Touré, who had already worked with Pep Guardiola during his time at Barcelona, did not hold back as he discussed their second meeting in Manchester. “Pep Guardiola ruined my career totally. It wasn’t nice meeting him again,” he said in a recent interview, reflecting on their troubled relationship.
A History of Conflict
The tension between Touré and Guardiola dates back to their Barcelona days, where the Ivorian star found himself gradually pushed out of the starting XI despite his contributions to the team’s success. When Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016, the tension resurfaced, and Touré’s role diminished dramatically.
“I came to Manchester City as one of the leaders, someone who gave everything to the club. But under Pep, it was as if my contributions meant nothing,” Touré explained. “I was sidelined, overlooked, and made to feel like I didn’t belong.”
Touré’s agent, Dimitry Seluk, further fueled the feud at the time, accusing Guardiola of disrespecting his client. The public spat between the two camps added more strain to an already fractured relationship.
Accusations of Disrespect and Bias
Touré went beyond criticizing Guardiola’s tactics, suggesting that personal and cultural biases may have played a role in how he was treated. In a 2018 interview, Touré claimed, “I think Pep does not like African players. He will never admit it, but the way I was treated made me feel that way.” While these comments drew significant backlash, Touré stood by his claims, reiterating that he felt unfairly targeted.
Legacy Overshadowed
Despite the controversies, Touré’s contributions to Manchester City are undeniable. The midfield powerhouse played a key role in shaping the club’s modern success, and his performances during the 2013-14 season, when he scored 20 Premier League goals, remain etched in fans’ memories.
However, his strained relationship with Guardiola meant his City career ended on a sour note. “It was heartbreaking to leave the club that I gave everything to in such a manner. But sometimes, football isn’t just about what happens on the pitch,” Touré said.
Moving Forward
Since retiring, Yaya Touré has begun a coaching career, working to inspire young players. However, his experience under Guardiola remains a cautionary tale about how personal dynamics can influence even the most accomplished careers.
While Guardiola continues to add to his managerial legacy, Touré’s comments highlight the human cost of football’s cutthroat nature. His words serve as a stark reminder that behind every trophy and headline, there are personal stories often left untold.
