The writers of “Ted Lasso,” the popular comedy series on Apple TV+, never worried about being constrained by reality. The world of football they created is based on a very fantastical story: Ted Lasso, an unknown American coach, succeeds amidst the chaos of the Premier League. This hilarious strategist leads a fictional team (called AFC Richmond, in London) to phenomenal success. The team's owner, Rebecca Welton, hires Ted Lasso with the intention that this unknown coach will fail, as a way to get revenge on the team's previous owner, her unfaithful ex-husband. However, Ted Lasso's charm, dedication, and humor win over Rebecca Welton and the players on the team.

Following the resounding success of the first two seasons, with 22 episodes, filming for the third season of "Ted Lasso" began in October 2020, and it premiered on March 15th of this year. The most outlandish elements are possible in the "Ted Lasso" series, presented in a humorous, witty, sweet, and even romantic way – a story about the underdog (coach Ted Lasso) who remains unfazed by the powerful forces of the Premier League… Yet, even on screen, Manchester City is unbeatable. Guardiola even makes a guest appearance in the penultimate episode of the third season of "Ted Lasso," delivering a concise and clear message: "Winning is less important than the fact that the players I manage are always decent people."

The joy of the Manchester City players after winning the Champions League. Photo: Getty

That being said, Guardiola craved the Champions League trophy more than any other title, and he achieved it after his team defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul (Türkiye). A Manchester City team with a somewhat leaky defense ultimately lifted the prestigious trophy.

At the reigning Champions League champions, Guardiola not only benefits from the club's enormous budget (allowing him to acquire any player he desires) but also enjoys the highest level of support from the club's members. Guardiola has focused on building a near-perfect team, the treble Manchester City just won being the most vivid proof of this. The 2023 Manchester City team is very difficult to concede goals to, while being able to score from almost any situation, hurting opponents both on the ground and in the air.

Many believe striker Haaland is the key to Manchester City's success this season, but Guardiola's brilliant personnel adjustments in defense and midfield are the key to their trophy haul. Last summer, full-back Zinchenko left the team, and Cancelo's arrogant attitude worried Guardiola. In this difficult situation, Guardiola cleverly moved center-back John Stones to midfield; and deployed center-backs Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji (two of the team's least prominent members) at full-back (just like the starting lineup in the win against Inter Milan) to balance attack and defense. More than anything, these changes have made Manchester City untouchable in England and the Champions League.

One of the central storylines in the "Ted Lasso" series is that manager Ted Lasso created an epic saga at AFC Richmond. Of course, that's a fictional story; Guardiola's success, however, is concrete, real, and tangible. Nevertheless, both in the movies and on the pitch have one thing in common: ultimately, Manchester City always wins.

KHOA MINH