Pep Guardiola is currently caught between a rock and a hard place. The Spanish tactician faces intense scrutiny and pressure over Manchester City’s poor domestic results. In fact, the situation has turned from bad to worse, as it has somehow reignited his managerial feud with arch-nemesis Jose Mourinho. However, Guardiola has been urged to take these criticisms with a grain of salt, as he will always be ‘one of the great managers.’

For those unaware, a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool saw the whole Anfield chanting ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ for Guardiola, with the former FC Barcelona boss reacting with a six-finger gesture, showing the number of Premier League titles he’s won. Later, when asked in the presser whether he’s acting like Mourinho, Pep quipped, “Maybe, but he won only three.” That ignited a subtle response from Mourinho, stating, “But I won fairly and cleanly… I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 lawsuits.”

Of course, this had to become a topic of discussion on the latest episode of the State of the Union Podcast, where Alexi Lalas had some pep talk for Guardiola over his attitude towards facing criticism. “Pep is in no danger of destroying his legacy,” began the former American defender. “He is, no matter what, going to be looked on as one of the great managers in the history of the game. Not just for what he’s won but for the way in which he wanted.”

The catch behind this praise? Guardiola’s growing tendency to take things to heart. In fact, Lalas claims he ain’t alone, as some Manchester City fans would agree that the former Bayern Munich boss has a meltdown with all kinds of barbs. While it’s something that the USMNT icon understands and has no problem with, he still urges the 53-year-old to keep a stiff upper lip.

“You can tell he takes it personally; you can tell it hurts him. I do think that Pep feels for everything he’s done, for all that he has given, he deserves more leash. He’s going to get plenty of leash in terms of his job,” added Lalas, expressing his confidence in the fact that Guardiola’s legacy as a manager will never be ruined.

While this was some necessary advice for Pep from Lalas, another USMNT icon had come in support of the City boss talking a dig at fans instead!

USMNT icon shames Manchester City for turning against Pep Guardiola

It could be argued that Manchester City fans’ frustration with their team is valid, but Tim Howard finds it unacceptable for them to turn on the man who has brought them so much success. Referring to the boos heard at full-time during last week’s Champions League match against Feyenoord, which ended in a 3-3 draw, Howard criticized the supporters on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast. He remarked, “By the way, it was a draw that felt like a loss but shame on you City fans for booing.”

Howard called out City fans for their perceived hypocrisy, pointing out instances when the Etihad Stadium had numerous empty seats during European nights. He criticized the supporters for not attending certain games and questioned their entitlement to boo a team that has delivered so much success. “I’m not buying those boos,” said the former USA No. 1, slamming them for expecting their side’s progression to the next round without showing up to support them.