Pep Guardiola is one of the most successful Barcelona managers till now. The 52-year-old led the club to numerous titles during his time at the club. The Spanish manager also nurtured and made Lionel Messi one of the most prolific goal-scorers, while managing him at the FC Barcelona.
However, a recent report by ‘The Sun’, has revealed that after the fruitful stint that Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi enjoyed together at Barca, Leo wanted to play under the veteran manager again. But, the Argentinian’s speculated wish somehow didn’t meet its vexation.
The information surfaced in a newly launched book named – ‘God Save Pep’ helmed by Marti Perarnau. It is termed that Leo expressed his desire to Pep Guardiola regarding a move to the Premier League giants Manchester City, three years ago.
However, Guardiola replied to him by stating – “In Manchester City, we train very hard, and I make long tactical talks”. The manager also told Leo that he might get “bored” by all of these. Leo, however, didn’t walk away and insisted to Guardiola that he would like to play for Manchester City. “I will train hard, I am not worried”, he asserted.
Pep Guardiola, though was not in the frame of mind to grant Messi his wish. He expressed – “Leo, we have grown older. Maybe we can’t stand each other anymore”. Leo then went on to play for Ligue 1 side PSG in France. After spending about two years there, he joined the MLS and currently plays for Inter Miami.
Pep Guardiola on whether Lionel Messi is the greatest player ever
Pep Guardiola has often heaped praises on Leo whenever asked anything regarding the player. It seems quite evident from the majority of his interviews that the manager still remembers Leo’s development as a player at Barca.
In a report by ‘Sky Sports’, the 52-year-old was asked if Leo winning the FIFA World Cup, puts the player on the stature of one of the greatest players of all time. Pep stated that everyone has the right to their opinion, “but nobody can doubt that he is there with the greatest of all time”. The manager further inflicted that for him Leo’s the best.
Pep Guardiola expressed that it will be tough for any player to achieve what Leo “has done in the last 15-17 years”. He also opined that people have seen players like Pele, Maradona, and Alfredo Di Stefano. So, they can choose their favorite player based on sentimental values.
The Manchester City boss asserted that even if Leo hadn’t won the World Cup, it would have changed nothing in terms of “what he has done for the world football (soccer)”, according to him. However, he termed that it’s natural if someone wins the World Cup, they get “evaluated” in terms of it. As per him, the trophy acts as the “final cherry” in Leo’s outstanding career.