Boniek: "Guardiola has killed football. I like how Lazio plays"

Boniek criticises Guardiola's possession-based style in an exclusive interview, praising instead vertical, direct football like Lazio's attacking approach.

In an exclusive interview with Corriere dello Sport director Ivan Zazzaroni, former player, manager and executive Zbigniew Boniek discussed his views on modern football. While expressing great respect for Pep Guardiola, Boniek argued that the Manchester City manager's style has "killed football" with its emphasis on endless passing sequences.

"His football is you to me, me to you, you to me, me to you," Boniek explained, describing how teams under Guardiola complete over 1,700 passes per match without creating entertainment.

Boniek expressed his preference for vertical, direct football that prioritises quick attacks and goal-scoring opportunities. He highlighted Lazio, Frosinone, and Roma as examples of teams he enjoys watching because they play with risk and ambition, moving the ball forward rapidly rather than sideways.

He praised defenders like Mancini and Hermoso for their willingness to venture into the opponent's penalty area. For Boniek, modern football should eliminate slowness and backward passes, instead focusing on reaching the goal with as few passes as possible—but executed at speed.