Pep Guardiola’s critics like to suggest that he’s succeeded in positions where it’s impossible to fail.

At Barcelona, he inherited a team that included the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

Then in 2013 he took over a Bayern Munich side that was far and away the best team in Germany.

Now he finds himself at Manchester City, where money really is no object.

And those who doubt Guardiola as a true genius use these examples to discredit his achievements as a manager.

Has he genuinely faced a true challenge?

Well, Copa90 tried to find out by getting Guardiola to help a Sunday League team out.

Guardiola oversees Sunday League side

Amateur outfit Kitchener FC, from Ipswich, won the treble in 2018. And they were hoping to take things to another level by receiving some words of wisdom from one of the best tacticians in professional football.

Guardiola watched some of their clips and helped them in three areas: playing out from the back, pressing just like Man City and transitioning from defence to attack.

He then watched their training session at the City Football Academy, where he offered a few more pieces of advice.

Playing out from the back

“You have to believe in it, because you are going to make mistakes in the beginning,” Guardiola says.

“When the ball is in the air, it’s half-half. When the ball is at your feet, the ball is yours.

“My advice is to start the ‘keeper and two central defenders against one striker. When it’s three players against one, you should own the pitch.”

The ‘City Press’

“We believe that even in Sunday League or wherever, football players like to play with the ball. They don’t play football just to run, they like to play football and to have the ball,” the 48-year-old adds.

“But the main principle of that is, ‘They have the ball? Ok I’m going to pick you up and regain the ball because I want to play the ball.'”

Transitioning: Defence to Attack

“With the first action look [for the] striker. That is the best pass possible. With the ball in the first action, look forward. That is the best way,” Guardiola says.

After watching Kitchener FC play a mini match, Guardiola says: “I’m very impressed!

“You play so good. No believe me, you play so, so good. For the controls and the pass, I’m not talking about the finishing because you scored four or five incredible goals.

“I’m jealous of you. I cannot play any more. Be angry when you lose, be happy when you win. You like to play football and do that until you can’t do it.”

It’s an experience that Kitchener FC’s players, who are work mates and friends, will never forget.

We really feel for their upcoming opponents.

Click HERE to watch Guardiola's session with Kitchener FC.