Pep Guardiola was alerted to one of the peculiar characteristics of Premier League football by one of his Bayern Munich players.

“I went in Munich and chatted with (former Liverpool player) Xabi Alonso,” he said. ‘You have to adjust, (it’s) the second ball, the second ball,’ he stated in 2016.”

In his first season at Manchester City six years ago, pressing and counter-pressing were not enough to give him complete possession of the ball. While the ball was in the air, his team needed to apply another tactic of ball retention.

City’s midfielders, particularly Fernandinho and Rodri, have been sweeping up the field after aerial duels during Guardiola’s rule. By positioning themselves closer to these scenarios in order to win second balls and reclaim control, City is able to attack swiftly on the transition or just circulate the ball before breaking down the opponents.

Adaptation is a necessary component of the process for all excellent managers. Moreover, just as Guardiola adapted to the changes in German football at Bayern Munich, his City team became more focused on winning second balls.

Phil Foden’s brilliance rightly received the most noticeable during Saturday’s triumph against Newcastle United, but Guardiola also lauded Rodri and his defenders. Their interceptions and emphasis on set pieces limited Newcastle’s danger, but winning second balls proved crucial.

City’s performance on the ball wasn’t spectacular, but their defenders were ready when Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope went straight — not just for the inevitable aerial battle, but also for the accompanying second ball.

When Pope or any of Newcastle’s back four attempted to fire one forward, City’s attentiveness in terms of scooping up scraps of possession aided them offensively as well, enabling them to begin their structured assaults while also creating possibilities for transition.

Their first opportunity of the game came from winning the second ball after an aerial battle, and both of City’s goals came from winning the second ball.

In the build-up to the first, Jamaal Lascelles launches a forward clearing after Newcastle’s right side stops a City assault, and both Rodri and Dias are there — one for the aerial fight, the other to assist and clean up. The midfielder heads the ball back to Dias, and City begins the play that gives them the lead. A few seconds later, Rodri shifts the ball to Foden, who cuts past the Newcastle defense to make it 1-0.

The second followed the same trend. Ake defends Pope’s attempted pass for Trippier. As this is going on, and before the ball reaches Trippier, Gundogan is dropping towards his own goal to position himself for the second ball and prevent Joe Willock from taking control easily. Trippier wins the header, but the ensuing pressure from Gundogan and Ake causes Willock to pass to his right-back, who inadvertently passes the ball to Ake before City combines down the left for an attack that results in Bernardo Silva scoring.

Pep’s City has learned to suffer

It wasn’t the most impressive victory, but Pep Guardiola’s City side has become used to enduring discomfort over the years. Their midfielders and defenders have grown more alert to the second ball, and they have adjusted their alignment to press the other team as soon as an aerial battle concludes. In 2016, Guardiola knew that getting second balls was a key part of winning the Premier League. He said, “Now, you need to maintain control of the second balls.” “Without having it, you will not be able to live.”

Guardiola has added second balls to his team’s structure after winning the Premier League four times and several domestic cup competitions. It is another tool that can be used to keep control of the game, which is Guardiola’s main goal no matter what strategy he uses. Man City fans will be hoping that their team will continue to show resilience and eke out positive results until the end of the season, on their way to a third consecutive EPL title. Multiple times this season, Pep has looked toward fans for a late push to hold off Arsenal’s challenge. So, get Manchester City tickets at Seatnet and support your team.

Foden’s form gives City hope in the title challenge

Pep’s attitude toward several matches this season has divided fans, including Guardiola’s own players. He reassured them following the 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in the first leg of a Champions League last-16 encounter.

As ragged as it was, City beat Newcastle 2-0 to lead the Premier League form chart since the start of 2023, which may surprise considering their early stumble, losing three of eight games in all competitions.

As indicated by Guardiola’s reaction to the performance in Germany, there is a hope or expectation that City play better even when the results are positive, which may be tougher to judge because the manager is frequently satisfied even when the supporters are not.

But a simple addition may boost this team: Phil Foden

Foden’s FA Cup performance against Championship side Bristol City showed his return to form. He was chosen man of the match against Newcastle after a strong first half and a great goal, although with a deflection.

If his performances were rusty after the World Cup due to an ankle problem, this was a return to his best form. Guardiola sees the difference. So maybe we’re misinterpreting the City manager’s usage of Foden this season. Foden offers City things Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez cannot, and vice versa. Guardiola wanted Grealish and Mahrez’s ball-holding and game-slowing abilities that night in Leipzig (and speed it up again). That cautious approach makes sense, as City may increase pressure on the home leg. Foden is more direct.

As Foden returned to the starting lineup against Nottingham Forest before that Champions League match, Guardiola felt he was missing “pausa, composure” after a month on the bench. Against Bournemouth, he demonstrated a nice mix of slowing the tempo of play, even when his instincts told him differently, while still delivering that menace by playing balls in behind the defence, something Mahrez seldom does on that side.

Guardiola wants his players to find Haaland when opportunities arise (and they have), but he doesn’t want them to force passes to his 33-goal striker. Cities may become more dangerous and entertaining by finding that balance. Foden’s talent is the best way to accomplish Guardiola’s goals with the personnel he has.

Vincent Kompany will one day manage Manchester City

Pep Guardiola believes Vincent Kompany will lead Manchester City one day.

Kompany, who spent 11 years at City, was appointed manager of Championship side Burnley last summer, and they have been drawn against City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

When questioned about a reunion with his former captain at the Etihad, Guardiola praised Kompany and predicted that the Belgian would eventually replace him as City manager.

“He will be the manager of Manchester City sooner or later,” Guardiola stated.

“When? I’m not sure, but I’m very confident it will happen. That is my impression. Maybe I’m wrong, but he has all of the characteristics.

“Work ethic, game knowledge, respect, and experience. It was quite tough for him to achieve what he has, and he is doing it admirably. He is familiar with the club and its surroundings. He understands what our people need. The fate is there.”

During his career at City, the former Belgian international made 360 appearances and won 12 titles.

Burnley is now 12 points ahead at the top of the Championship, and it looks likely that the 36-year-old will lead them to automatic promotion to the Premier League next season.