Aguero and Guardiola's marriage of convenience proves fruitful for City

 

 

 

The two Manchester City figureheads have not always been on the best of terms but the striker's performances may ensure that no longer matters

The story of Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero's relationship at Manchester City is long and complicated.
By now, after nearly two full seasons' worth of claims, leaks and protests, it is almost too tiresome to list every decision and grievance that has led us to this point - but for anybody in any doubt that things are not quite right between the two it is worth a quick recap.
City's attempts to sign replacements, from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2016 to Alexis Sanchez in 2017 and 2018; the carefully chosen public declarations from both manager and player (and how each has reacted); the pointed social media posts; Guardiola's decisions, tactical or otherwise, to leave Aguero out of certain matches and the striker's feelings as a result; and the clandestine meeting(s) between Guardiola, Aguero and Aguero's agents have all contributed to the current climate.