PEP'S POWER OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE

For all his tactical expertise and coaching skills, Guardiola’s latest weapon has been his straight-talking to the media

- JOE BRAY

EVERY season, we look for the new tactical innovation that Pep Guardiola uses to go in search of another Premier League title and a debut Champions League crown.

Earlier in his City reign, it was his use of traditional full-backs, while in 2020/21 those full-backs became inverted to great effect. Last season, the false nine became City's (enforced) weapon of choice, while other seasons saw Fernandinho used at centre-back, Bernardo Silva moved around various midfield roles, and changes from fast, wide wingers to slower, more controlled, inverted wide-men.

This season, with Erling Haaland adding a focal point up front, Guardiola's new weapon of choice has been an unexpected one: the press conference.

All season, Guardiola has been searching for the right formula to motivate his Blues squad. He said recently that he had the feeling' that it would be difficult to keep the momentum up from winning back-to-back titles before the season even began. He has regularly pointed back to the last time City went for a third title in a row, in 2019/20, and the notable drop-off that was experienced that year.

Guardiola has tried to refresh his squad, by bringing in goal machine Haaland, or by promoting surprise package Rico Lewis to the senior fold. He has praised his players, he has hailed late wins as among the best of his reign, and he's even signed a new two-year contract.

Nothing has had quite the effect the manager may have hoped for.