The Impact of Pep Guardiola on English Football

In August 2024, Dean Lewington, the former MK Dons defender, stepped onto the stage at the Manchester Opera House to accept his PFA Merit Award. When asked about the changes he had witnessed in English football over a career spanning more than 20 years and nearly 1,000 appearances, Lewington took a moment before gesturing to a figure seated a few rows back: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. While Guardiola was there to watch Phil Foden receive his PFA Player of the Year Award, he unexpectedly became the focus of attention.

“Whether consciously or subconsciously, we are all in awe of him; I don’t mind saying that,” Lewington remarked, as Guardiola squirmed slightly in his seat. “We often discuss the innovations he has introduced and his tactical philosophies. Whether he realizes it or not, his influence has undeniably shaped the style of play we aspire to adopt.”

Guardiola, a pioneer of positional play, is set to leave Manchester City—potentially as soon as this summer—having established himself as one of the most successful managers in English football history. His impressive accolades include six Premier League titles, six domestic cups, a Champions League title, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup, placing him in esteemed company alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, Bob Paisley, and Bill Shankly.

However, the true extent of Guardiola’s influence on the English football pyramid is more challenging to quantify. Historically, lower-league football was characterized by physicality, direct play, and vigorous tackling. Today, spectators can observe third- and fourth-tier teams employing tactics such as playing out from the back, utilizing false No. 9s, and having fullbacks shift into midfield—concepts that have been popularized by Guardiola.

Although Guardiola has often been reticent to discuss his impact on other teams and leagues, he addressed this topic during a press conference ahead of an FA Cup match against League Two side Port Vale in January 2020. When asked if he believed he had transformed the game in England, he responded, “Don’t make me say that. This club tries to play in the way we like. Believe me, English football has its own ideas. Managers develop their teams based on their beliefs, not merely by imitating others. That approach simply does not work.”

Former England striker and television pundit Gary Lineker echoed what Guardiola hesitated to assert, stating on social media: “He has arguably had the most positive influence on our game than anyone else ever. Total respect for Sir Alex’s accomplishments, but Guardiola has revolutionized our understanding of football, shifting our focus from direct play to total football.”

This weekend, Guardiola’s Manchester City will face another EFL opponent when League One side Exeter City visits the Etihad Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup. Gary Caldwell, who has managed Exeter since 2022 and has EFL playing experience with Coventry City, Derby County, and Wigan Athletic, holds Guardiola in high regard.

“Beyond just winning trophies, he has altered how people perceive the game globally,” Caldwell stated. “He has transformed the concepts of positional play and player rotations, significantly affecting how coaches and players approach the sport.”

Caldwell’s team faces the challenge of preparing for a Guardiola-led squad. Despite three consecutive Premier League draws and mounting injuries within the City camp, the task remains formidable. Caldwell remarked, “Preparing for City has proven to be quite difficult. We have conducted extensive analysis, but their array of tactical options and possession strategies presents a daunting challenge. We are striving to make it feel like a familiar match, despite the unique nature of the encounter ahead.”

As Exeter’s players focused on their defensive organization during City’s possession this week, they also honed their strategy for when opportunities arise. Caldwell expressed optimism, noting, “We have improved as the season has progressed. We have segmented the season into blocks, and our December block was particularly challenging on paper, yet the squad responded remarkably well.”

“We are in a good place, having achieved five wins and a draw in our last eight games. We will approach this match against one of the best teams in the world with hope, optimism, and energy, aiming to create a significant upset.”

Caldwell has previously experienced a cup upset when he was part of the Wigan squad that shocked Manchester City in the 2013 FA Cup final. Should history repeat itself with an Exeter victory, it would be significant, as they would have bested a team influenced by Guardiola’s philosophies.

“I have immersed myself in documentaries and literature about Guardiola’s time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich,” Caldwell shared. “However, the essence of being a successful manager lies in being true to your own identity. I cannot replicate City’s style since I lack their caliber of players. It is essential to develop my own ideas, albeit inspired by the great contemporary managers.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for me personally, to compete against one of the greatest managers of all time.”