Paul Lake column: Pep changed the script – we are truly blessed! | OneFootball

Our popular former midfield ace returns with his latest column as he discusses Pep Guardiola’s upcoming 1,000th game as a manager, the brilliance of Phil Foden and the emergence of Nico in the central ground.

As Pep Guardiola approaches his 1000th game as City manager this weekend against Liverpool, it seems only right to acknowledge this incredible milestone and pay tribute to a remarkable individual.

In 2016, when Pep first arrived as manager, there was discussion about whether his style of football would suit Manchester City and the English game as a whole.

At that time, I was working with the Premier League within the Academy system, and I was lucky to witness Pep’s immediate impact. He set about establishing a new forward-looking philosophy across the whole football club by setting high standards, increasing expectations and implementing consistency.

His unique blend of football was creative, exciting and innovative, and as his influence grew you began to see the astounding development of individual players like Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and John Stones.

No matter how big their name or how prodigious their talent, he taught them that there was always room for improvement.  Pep changed the script and confounded the critics and, from the 2018 onwards, the silverware started to rain in.

We have been truly blessed to have this wonderful manager at the helm.

Aside of that staggering 100-point season - who could forget Gabriel Jesus’ goal at Southampton by the way - my favourite Pep memory has to be the Champions League victory in 2023. It meant so much to the club and the fans and was a testament to all of Pep’s hard work.

WATCH: Pep Guardiola: Every Trophy Won (so far!)

As a City player in the 1980s, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine we’d enjoy so much future success, with world-renowned footballers sporting the sky blue shirt.

Back then, the club’s financial situation was dire and aspirations and expectations were low. Our main priority was to stay in the top flight - Division One in those days - to progress as far as we could in the FA Cup and to beat our Red arch-rivals.

One of the few shining lights at Maine Road was an outstanding youth development system that unearthed home-grown talents like Steve Redmond, Paul Moulden and Andy Hinchcliffe. And while we had our moments – promotion wins and derby successes – silverware was never a realistic possibility. How that’s changed in this modern era – and much of it down to Pep!

It was fabulous to see Phil Foden making his 200th Premier League appearance for City against Bournemouth, the youngest player in the club’s history to do so.

In my line of work, I was fortunate to witness his meteoric rise through City’s Academy, and couldn’t believe the composure and awareness of this exceptional young talent.

And while Phil benefited from a brilliant team of coaches who nurtured and developed him, it was his own innate skill and hard work that got him into Pep’s training squad.

The manager took his time in bringing him through – Phil’s been on the bench more times than people think – but this gave him the chance to watch, listen and learn from the very best.

He’s since matured into a world class midfielder whose exciting, creative and impactful play will be the spearhead for future success.

And, from an international perspective, I genuinely think he'll not only reclaim his England place, but will keep it for many years to come.

I’ve been hugely impressed with Nico Gonzalez, who arguably had his best game so far against Bournemouth.

It takes a real strength of character to come into a new side and pick up the baton from a legendary player like Rodri – the Ballon D’Or winner, no less – but he’s dealt with that huge pressure beautifully.

Not only is Nico a real team player with leadership potential, he also has a whole array of attributes. He has good levels of physicality in those central areas, he can handle tight situations, he can pass with either foot confidently, and he’s great in the air.

He's also not frightened to take risks in tight areas, and I feel like he's a player who, as time progresses, will become a sure-fire success.

He’s been superb of late - measured, assured and growing in confidence with every game, bringing a calmness associated with Rodri himself.