"I love to overthink and create stupid tactics," he said sarcastically last year. It was just the latest in a long line of surprising tactical changes by Guardiola on the European stage and fed into a reputation for over-elaborating which at once amuses and frustrates him. City were strong favourites to beat Chelsea in 2021, just as they are against Inter Milan now, but instead suffered a loss which felt self-inflicted as Guardiola opted to start without a natural holding midfielder.
Much of it comes from their last appearance in the final. Manchester City head into the Champions League final having already won a domestic double but, in this competition, they - and their manager - have baggage. Such is the narrative that has built up around Pep Guardiola overthinking his tactics in big games.
Manchester City are one game away from greatness, so it is curious that the manager who has taken them to this point is also seen by many as a potential obstacle at the finish line.
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