Begiristain: 'You won't play the best football without Guardiola'

Txiki Begiristain, the outgoing Manchester City sporting director, stated in a farewell interview that while one can "have the best squad in the world", without Pep Guardiola, the best football is simply unattainable.

Begiristain, who arrived at City in 2012, ended thirteen successful years in Manchester this summer, during which he won every possible title and contributed to some of the signings that changed the history of the Mancunian club, including that of Guardiola in 2016. 

"We played together and have shared many things. Then we started working together. He is the leader of the project, and everyone has to see him that way," said Txiki, who also worked with Guardiola at Barcelona.

"You have to help him stay calm and show him that you are capable of helping him build the best team in the world. Once you have the best team in the world, he will make them play the best football in the world. With him, you can have both. With others, you may have the best team in the world, but you are not going to play the best football."

During the interview, which can be viewed on City's channels, Begiristain explained that the achievement he is most proud of is the Premier League title they won in 2014, with Sergio Agüero's famous last-minute goal.

Following Begiristain's departure, the technical direction has been placed in the hands of Hugo Viana, former sporting director of Sporting Lisbon.

"He's a great signing. He is very calm and very decisive. We have been able to see it in recent months, because of his judgement and the way he sees football. I think we are in good hands."