Ex-Premier League star Joleon Lescott believes Pep Guardiola signing a contract extension at Manchester City is a good thing for all of English football – including the Blues’ title rivals.
Guardiola’s contract was due to expire at the end of the current season, with rumours the Catalan was prepared to walk away from the Etihad Stadium after nine years in charge.
But on the eve of the Premier League’s return, Guardiola has put pen to paper on fresh terms, which will see the former Barcelona tactician extend his City stint into a 10th year.
It’s news that’s unlikely to bring a smile to fans of the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, given the stranglehold City have established over the Premier League since Guardiola’s arrival.
However, according to Lescott, who spent five successful years at City, Pep sticking around is something that should be celebrated by everyone involved with the English game.
Speaking at a Padel Pro Am tournament, the former England international told Express Sport: “I think it’s more than that. I think it’s great news for the Premier League.
“I’m sure there are fans of all the teams wishing he didn’t stay. What he’s done for the league and English football, the pyramid… he’s developing players in a different way, developing coaches without having the day-to-day impact on them.
“He’s created a style that players want to play for and developed a style of coaching that coaches want to use. So he’s been an asset to England as a whole. The longer he stays, the better.”
After back-to-back second-place finishes behind Guardiola’s City, Lescott’s words will likely fall on deaf ears at the Emirates Stadium, given how close Arsenal have come to ending their two-decade wait for a Premier League title.
So far this season though, it’s been Liverpool leading the way, with Arne Slot’s side five points clear at the top of the table, having made the most of City’s recent drop-off.
Lescott doesn’t expect that to last though, with the two-time Premier League winner backing Guardiola to get his troops in order.
He added at the event sponsored by Cupra: “I don’t think it’s going to alter the ambition that much.
“I think the ambition is they want to win every competition they’re still in…
Lescott continued: “I think if you finish above Man City, you win the league. I think if you beat them in the Champions League, you have a better chance of winning that as well.
“Every competition they’re still in, you would be one of the favourites if you finish above them.”
CUPRA is the proud sponsor of the Pro Am Padel Tour 2024. For more information visit www.cupraofficial.co.uk.
