Ian Holloway remarks ex-Liverpool man is "exactly" what Manchester City lack in sly jibe
The former Blackpool boss made the tongue-in-cheek remark after watching his old side seal yet another play-off final win at Wembley
Plenty has been made about Manchester City's tactics in the Champions League final defeat to Chelsea.
City chief Pep Guardiola made the surprising call not to include Rodri or Fernandinho as defensive midfielders, despite setting up in a 4-3-3 system.
Kevin de Bruyne played as the furthest man forward without a recognised striker but it was a night to forget as Chelsea lifted the trophy via a 1-0 win.
Many fans and pundits point the blame at Guardiola's team selection for the loss.
Rio Ferdinand, working for BT Sport, said of the starting line-up: "He’s always had Rodri in there, or Fernandinho, and he didn’t do that today and he changed it."
And now Ian Holloway has waded in on the debate.
He watched his old Blackpool side seal a record SIXTH play-off win on Sunday. They beat Lincoln City 2-1 to seal a place in next season's Championship.
And speaking as a pundit on Quest's EFL highlights, Holloway made a tongue-in-cheek jibe about how an ex-Liverpool player made the difference.
Kevin Stewart started his career at Spurs before moving to Liverpool. Despite failing to make the grade, he's since forged himself a career in the EFL. He joined Blackpool in January and played a crucial role in helping his new club get over the line at Wembley.
And Holloway was quick to point out to Guardiola the importance of having balance within a team.
"Kevin brings a calmness to that Blackpool team," he said.
"In a big game like this he did everything right from a midfielder's point of view.
"Looking at the biggest game in club football last night, that's exactly what Man City didn't have in their team!
"Someone who can break it down, stop it, keep it moving. Not everybody is an over-the-top, skilful player.
"You need a balance and I think Kevin added that to Blackpool."
Blackpool came from behind after conceding an early own goal, with Kenny Dougall's brace securing them a spot in the Championship next season.
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