'Pep Guardiola can be English football's Johan Cruyff', says Manchester City manager's close confidant Raul Caneda

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When Pep Guardiola plots Napoli’s downfall on Tuesday night, he’ll almost certainly make a call to Raul Caneda.

The name may not ring many bells, but Manchester City manager has the experienced Spanish coach on speed dial.

Caneda is one of Guardiola’s closest confidants; recruited by the Barcelona legend to work as external analyst with the particular remit of scouting City's Champions League opponents.

Pep Guardiola is certain to make a call to Raul Caneda this week ahead of facing Napoli

Caneda is one of Guardiola’s closest confidants and helps scout out European opponents

Their relationship goes back years; the duo forming a close bond during their time working together at Mexican club Dorados in 2006.

Indeed, in his book ‘Another Way of Winning’ Guardiola mentions Caneda, describing him as ‘privileged football mind I had the pleasure to learn from’.

It’s fair to say the feeling is mutual, Caneda believing his colleague is making a similar impact on English football that the legendary Johan Cruyff made in Spain.

‘For sure Cruyff changed football in Spain, bur for sure Pep’s impact in England can be just as big,’ said Caneda.

‘It’s not going to be easy for one man to change a very long tradition of football in England but for sure Guardiola will improve English football.

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‘But, too, English football will improve Guardiola. His legacy in England will be very interesting.’

Caneda, speaking to the Mail on Sunday in the plush Chelsea Harbour Hotel, is trying to forge his own managerial career in England.

Having managed in Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad and Al-Nassr, the 48-year-old has spent the last 12 months studying English football with a view to landing a job in either the Championship or League One.

So if his ambition is realised, will Caneda coach tacking? You’d imagine the answer to that question is yes given the physical nature of the Football League.

However, like his friend Guardiola - who made the astonishing claim last season that does not devote any time to coaching the art of tackling - Caneda believes footballers should stay on their feet.

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‘For me it’s a surprise that tackling is an important part of the game,’ explained Caneda.

‘I agree with Pep. I don’t think about whether tackling is important or not.

‘Tackling is an important concept here, but only here. In Spain and the Bundesliga they don’t talk about tackling as a main issue.

‘For me, I’m curious that you look at it as an important issue. Sergio Busquets plays in a position where may be should make plenty of tackles.

‘Do you ever see him sliding on the floor? No. If you are making plenty of slide tackles it means you are in the wrong position. That is not good defending.’