Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has passionately defended Pep Guardiola against claims that the Manchester City boss has ruined football, insisting instead that the Spaniard has revolutionized how the game is played and enjoyed, Softfootball reports.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Obi One Podcast, Mikel addressed ongoing criticisms from certain pundits who accuse Guardiola of promoting repetitive, possession-heavy football that limits creativity. The Nigerian, however, strongly disagreed, saying such takes underestimate the tactical and aesthetic transformation the City boss has brought to modern football.
Mikel’s comments come amid renewed debate about Guardiola’s influence on global football tactics, a discussion reignited after Pep recorded his 1000th career win following Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad, a result that further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest managers in history.
Softfootball earlier reported that Guardiola was full of pride after reaching this milestone, reflecting on a career that has seen him lift over 40 major trophies across Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
According to The Obi One Podcast via its official X handle, Mikel said:
When I hear about pundits going on about how Pep Guardiola has spoilt football, ruined football, I think it’s absolutely absurd to hear pundits, people who know the game, come out with such nonsense, absolutely nonsense. Whatever Pep has done, not just for the English Premier League, for football, the guy has transformed football. He has transformed the way we see the game, get to watch and enjoy the game.
Mikel’s passionate defense comes in response to recent criticism from figures like Fabio Capello, who argued that Guardiola’s dominance and his tiki-taka roots have made football too predictable. Analysis also suggested that his tactical influence has rebranded European football, reducing stylistic diversity across leagues.
Interestingly, the full video conversation between John obo Mikel and his other podcast host Chris McHardy on Guardiola and his influence on modern day football was shared on the official X handle of the one obi podcast. Watch the full video below:
Fans have been split in their reactions. Some celebrated Pep’s footballing philosophy for making the game more fluid and beautiful, while others lamented what they perceive as a loss of unpredictability and raw intensity.
Mikel’s remarks, however, reflect the sentiment of many modern players who believe Guardiola’s innovations have set a new benchmark for coaching excellence and on-field intelligence.
Ultimately, his defense reinforces the idea that football’s evolution though divisive is rooted in progress, not regression. For Mikel, Pep Guardiola hasn’t ruined the game but he has redefined it.
