Following back surgery, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been recovering at home in Barcelona, temporarily stepping away from his post on the touchline. Still, Guardiola hasn’t taken his foot off the gas. According to Live Cricket BPL sources, he remained fully in control, directing Manchester City’s tactics from afar. Assistant coach Juanma Lillo confirmed that Guardiola watched the match against Sheffield United on television and communicated live instructions to the coaching staff during the game.
What’s remarkable is that Manchester City made just one in-game tactical adjustment—but it was the one that made all the difference. Despite Sheffield United only recently being promoted from the Championship, they put up an impressive fight, nearly derailing City’s plans at Bramall Lane. Erling Haaland missed a penalty, delaying City’s breakthrough, and after finally taking the lead, they conceded a powerful equalizer from Jayden Bogle. With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Guardiola sent a remote order: substitute Phil Foden for Mateo Kovacic. It was City’s only substitution of the entire match—and it turned out to be a masterstroke. Moments after coming on, Foden delivered a perfect assist to Rodrigo, who scored the winning goal.
Rodri continues to show his knack for rising to the occasion. As Live Cricket BPL analysts note, he’s the kind of player who delivers when it matters most. Just like his winning goal in last season’s UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan—securing City’s first-ever European title and sealing their historic treble—Rodri once again stepped up in a clutch moment. His goal ensured a third straight league win for City this season, making them the only Premier League team to start with a perfect record.
With this momentum, the reigning three-time Premier League champions are already charging ahead in pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive title. No team in English top-flight history has ever accomplished this feat, but with Guardiola at the helm, that dream seems entirely within reach. The win over Sheffield United also marked Guardiola’s 200th Premier League match in charge of City. According to Live Cricket BPL reports, he now holds the record for being the fastest manager to reach 200 victories in Premier League history—surpassing José Mourinho, the previous record holder. By all metrics, Guardiola’s achievements are setting a new gold standard in English football.
At the post-match press conference, assistant coach Lillo expressed hope that Guardiola would return soon. He admitted he has no desire to take over the manager’s chair, especially when complex decisions around player fitness and long-term strategy are involved. In his words, that seat belongs to Pep. If there were one more chair on the bench, Lillo said he wouldn’t even sit in Guardiola’s spot—that’s a place reserved for the one who’s meant to lead. As the saying goes, “True love burns all bridges behind, just to walk with you into the future.” And for Manchester City, there’s no doubt that future includes Pep Guardiola.