CHRIS SUTTON: This may be a sad and sour farewell to Sergio Aguero
History tells us nobody is untouchable under Pep Guardiola. He took charge at Barcelona in 2008 and, on his first day, announced: ‘These three are not in my mind for the future; in fact, we will be going onwards without them.’
The three players in question were Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o. Guardiola will go down as one of the game’s great coaches but never under-estimate the ruthlessness that goes with his tactical mastery. They go hand in hand.
It doesn’t matter how big your name is, or what you’ve done for the club.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has form for being ruthless and moving on star names
Barcelona duo Ronaldinho (left) and Deco were stars who were quickly moved on by Guardiola
Samuel Eto’o (right) was also displaced to make way for the emerging Lionel Messi (left)
Whether you’re a Ballon d’Or winner like Ronaldinho, or a contender as the greatest overseas player to grace the Premier League like Sergio Aguero — if Guardiola doesn’t fancy you, if he thinks you are surplus to requirements, you’d better start looking for a new club!
He doesn’t do sentiment. Joe Hart found that out. As did Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure and Leroy Sane, among others.
Aguero is now sitting on the substitutes’ bench. He was brought on against Southampton after his side had already scored five goals.
We cannot hammer Guardiola too hard for his treatment of Aguero. That’s the cut-throat nature of this business.
Aguero has gradually fallen out of Guardiola’s first-team plans at the Etihad Stadium
He only came on as a substitute during the midweek 5-2 victory over Southampton
Aguero is fondly remembered for his late goal which won City the Premier League title in 2012
Strikers get older, we lose sharpness, the competition gets tougher and our time comes to an end. Plus, Pep’s City are well on their way to being champions.
But if this is our final season with Aguero, it is a sad and sour way for him to bid farewell.
He gave us great memories — that ‘Aguerooooo’ moment of 2012 will never be forgotten.
This is a Premier League Hall of Famer in the making who isn’t happy being on the outside.
But he isn’t the first to realise how ruthless Guardiola can be.
