Former Barcelona captain Xavi believes Pep Guardiola can change the English game.

Quoted in an article on Four Four Two’s website, the midfielder insists his former teammate and manager ‘has the capability to make a lasting philosophical impact on English football.’

Interviewed for a Sky Sports documentary on the manager, Xavi declared: “He did not just change Barca, he changed world football.

“I think he is one of the few people who can change English football.

“The first thing I remember him saying as a coach was that he would not tolerate any player not working hard.

“He said: ‘This is the only thing that I require, that you work hard for the group’. This was a surprise for us. The high pressing was brilliant. It was a real football revolution, a modern kind of football.

“Within a few years, no one played long balls anymore. Even Real Madrid changed their style.

“Pep’s first year started this football revolution. We made history. Not just for the victories, but also for the way we played.”

Meanwhile...

  • Pablo Zabaleta says Pep Guardiola has assured him of a place in City’s squad [ESPN]
  • Frank de Boer replaces Roberto Mancini as Inter Milan boss two weeks before the start of the Serie A season [Mail]
  • Paul Pogba has been granted permission to have a medical in order to finalise his transfer from Juventus to Manchester United [Man United]
  • Gonzalo Higuain’s Juventus debut at West Ham leaves fans questioning the striker’s seemingly portly appearance [Mail]
  • Chelsea are ready to sell Juan Cuadrado for €30m with AC Milan interested [Soccer Lens]
  • Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham will not finish in the top three this season, according to Danny Murphy [Football Insider]
  • West Ham are close to completing the signings of Swansea striker Andre Ayew and Olympiacos left-back Arthur Masuaku [TalkSPORT]
  • Bayern Munich will not pay Robert Lewandowski ‘crazy’ wages [Mail]
  • Galatasaray want to sign Manchester United duo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Antonio Valencia [Star]
  • Thomas Vermaelen is all set to be confirmed as the new signing for Serie A club AS Roma after the Belgium defender completed his medical [Soccer Lens]