Manchester City: Pep Guardiola saddened by exit of ‘top manager’ Ruben Amorim from Manchester United

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Ruben Amorim, describing the former Manchester United boss as a “top manager”.

Amorim was sacked yesterday after 14 months in charge due to a reported disagreement with Old Trafford director of football Jason Wilcox regarding the Portuguese’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

It was claimed Wilcox wanted Amorim to show more flexibility but the former Sporting CP boss was irritated by what he perceived as interference.

He became the second high-profile Premier League manager to lose his job in under a week following Enzo Maresca’s departure from Chelsea and Guardiola believes leading clubs are making changes quicker than ever before. 

The Manchester City boss said: ”Yes, it’s a fact. Less time. Like what happened with Enzo [Maresca].

“I can’t say anything out of respect for the players and the institutions of Chelsea and Manchester United.

“All I can say is Ruben is a top manager. The decision has been made by our neighbours but I wish Ruben all the best for the future.”

Sackings not exclusive to Premier League, says Manchester City boss

The Premier League has a reputation for hiring and firing but Guardiola, who has enjoyed spells previously at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, says it is the same in Spain and Germany.

“It is quite similar. I don’t think there is another country where you are safe if you don’t win games,” he added.

“If you don’t get results, it doesn’t matter. The past or present. Every manager is hired for their ideas and they are sacked for their results.

“Sometimes you need a process and time. The gaps are sometimes so small. In their last game United had a lot of absences and sometimes it is hard to cope. When important players are not available it is always difficult.

“But, the reason why? To be honest, I don’t know.”

City are six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race and host Brighton at the Etihad tomorrow night.