Pep Guardiola: LMA manager of the year

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City poses with The Premier League Trophy after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City poses with The Premier League Trophy after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It was rumoured that other names were in the running for Manager of the year. If it would have been anyone other than the mighty Pep, it would have been a football travesty. Yes, I understand we have wealthy owners and have spent as such.

However, so have many others. Not just this year, like Manchester United and Liverpool, but in all seasons prior. Some times the money has been spent in a way to improve the side and for some, like Tottenham, it hasn’t.  Spending the Gareth Bale money on a bunch of duds, it goes to prove money doesn’t always buy success.

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The reason, for me, that Pep deserved to win the award is not because City won the title. It is for the style in which Manchester City ran to the title. FInishing nineteen points above second place United, and breaking all sorts of records in the process.

Lets face it, usually United’s points total would be enough to win the League in most seasons. This season, it didn’t even get them close. Despite getting 81 points the title was gone before May even began. And that was including the home defeat to our rivals in April.

Certainly there were Managers who did great jobs throughout the season. Roy Hodgson took over at Palace with them having neither a point or a goal. By the time City secured the League, they had also secured their safety.

Sean Dyche guided his Burnley side to a European spot, but only finished five points ahead of Everton, who had a disastrous start. While the Clarets will enjoy Europa League football next season, it could prove to be one step too far.

Next: Manchester City: Final Day Findings

Winning four back to back manager of the month awards, holding almost all the positive Premier League records and having all top four assist kings for the season in his squad just shows the free-flowing attacking display we have witnessed for the last ten months.

Collecting the award at last nights dinner, Pep Guardiola had barely a chance to recover from the victory parade 24 hours earlier. For now, he can enjoy the love being shown for what he has done this season. Next season it begins again, and he will already be preparing to be the target of the chasing pack.