It is an undebatable fact that Pep Guardiola is one of the most influential coaches, that soccer has ever seen. His innovative style of playing soccer has captivated fans, around the world. Guardiola with his dominance has conquered every league that he has coached in. The Spaniard has presented to the soccer fans, some of the best teams in the history of soccer.
After leaving FC Barcelona in 2012, Pep was excited about the challenges in other European leagues. And after a one-year sabbatical, Pep Guardiola joined record German Champions FC Bayern Munich.
Jupp #Heynckes will finish his successful career by the end of this season. Pep #Guardiola will take over as FC Bayern head coach in July.
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) January 16, 2013
He stayed at Bayern for three seasons, winning the domestic league in all three seasons. The 52-year-old also completed a domestic double twice.
Before his arrival, there were doubts over whether his soccer coaching would fit the soccer played in the Bundesliga. But Guardiola’s genius silenced all. At Bayern, he developed a very close relationship with his players. These players have shared various anecdotes about an off-the-field Guardiola.
Arjen Robben talks about the love that Pep Guardiola had for soccer
Pep Guardiola’s constant analysis of soccer games, has turned him into one of the best coaches in the world. He thinks ahead of his opponents. But even the best managers, have set boundaries between soccer and life, but not Pep.
🗣️ Arjen Robben: “Guardiola is football obsessed, once he called me at 2am to talk about tactics.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/GIazvjkh9j
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 24, 2023
Arjen Robben has shared this very interesting anecdote about Pep Guardiola. The Dutch winger has shared that Pep is very obsessed with soccer and plans soccer matches very meticulously, to the extent that he is not shy to call Robben to discuss soccer tactics.
Arjen Robben was a very crucial player for Pep when he coached Bayern from 2013-16. The Dutch winger with his incisive runs was a nightmare for the defenders. This trait was very well used by Pep, and this helped the duo to bring a lot of success to Bayern Munich.
Robben scored 31 goals in 56 league games for Pep and further solidified his status as a Bayern Munich legend. Thus, it is no surprise that Pep might have wanted some tactical insights from him, even if the clock showed 2 A.M.
Pep Guardiola’s Man City is having a wonderful season
Manchester City is playing very good soccer at the moment. There was pressure on the team to repeat their historic treble-winning season performance. And the team looks on course to do the same. City currently leads the way in both Premier League as well as its Champions League group.
Greatest Manchester City XI of all time. Period pic.twitter.com/OAPkrPejKr
— 17_9 (@SaymSZN) November 23, 2023
Much of their success goes to their talismanic striker, Erling Haaland. He was a key player, last season and has continued his brilliant scoring record into this season. There were some concerns over the team’s performances when it was revealed that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne would miss action due to injury for four months.
There were also injuries to key players such as Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Ake, etc. But the team has perfectly retained its form, by using its great squad depth. It would be interesting to see how Pep would steer the team in all competitions when he has a fully fit team.