Pep Guardiola It is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time.
Not only has he won an unprecedented number of titles in Spain, Germany and England, but the Spaniard has also revolutionized modern football with his distinctive style that emphasizes possession, rapid crossing and regular liquidity. Guardiola’s influence has left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping the way the game is played today.
However, it is not just the brilliance of the coach who has captured the world of football.
As the former opponent of Jürgen Klopp and former coach José mourinhoThe former leader of Barcelona and Bayern Munich is also known for his spirit and sharp observations, making him a steady source of entertainment for fans.
Some of his excerpts come out of pure joy, while others come from frustration moments – but regardless of the feeling behind them, they always manage to leave a permanent impact.
Here are some of Pep Guardiola’s best excerpts.
1
“Raining every day”
Guardiola’s Manchester City He had faced a relatively harsh start for the 2020/21 season, especially competing in front of the goal.
However, after Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December 2020, Guardiola was understandable.
Despite the emphatic victory, however, he was not ready to claim his side he had fully found their form. Instead, he compared their performance with the unpredictable time in Manchester.
“It’s like in Manchester, it is raining every day. When one day the sun rises does not mean that the weather is going to change”, said. “It’s just a game, but we’ll see what’s going on in the future.”
After Manchester City won Treble in the era of 2022/23, Guardiola again referred to the unpredictable time of the city during his speech at the Parade of the Association’s victory, on which the heavens opened.
“We have to be the best parade with this rain. Otherwise they are not Manchester.” said. “We don’t want sunshine. We want rain. So it was perfect.”
2
“Like a jazz musician …”
Guardiola is known for creating teams that operate as a liquid unit, where every player contributes to defense and attack to form an endless football power. Even the incomparable Lionel Messi, despite being given more freedom than most, is not exempt from Guardiola’s philosophy.
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Guardiola humorously summoned his attitude towards individualism in his teams with a hilarious quip for jazz music.
“In some parts of the court, of course you have to be creative and take the opportunity,” he said. “But I don’t like it when people say,” I like freedom, I want to play for myself “. Because the player has to understand that he is a member of a team, with 10 other players.
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3
“I have better contracts”
Speaking about Messi, Guardiola has firmly dispelled Argentina with praise, calling him the greatest footballer of all time in many cases.
However, perhaps the most unforgettable and fun compliment came in 2022, when, In an interview with Telemundo Deportes, Messi – who scored 211 goals in 219 games under Guardiola in Barcelona – in the legend of NBA Michael Jordan and also took the opportunity to thank him for the significant impact he had on his career and bank account.
“For me, Messi is everything in my career and made me more competitive,” Guardiola said. “Without him, we would have won (trophies), but not so much. I compare Messi with Michael Jordan when Phil Jackson could feel what it was to have the best player and won six nba championships.
He added: “I still owe him a bottle of wine because thanks to him, I got better contracts.”
4
“All the alcohol in Manchester”
While Guardiola is undoubtedly a stickler for success, he also knows how to let his players enjoy the fruits of their work.
In May 2023, the city was confirmed as Premier League champions for the third consecutive year after Arsenal’s 1-0 loss in Nottingham Forest. The next day, the city defeated Chelsea, lifting the Premier League trophy and collecting their medals in the celebration.
However, before their upcoming trip to Brighton & Hove Albion just three days later, the Guardiola team made time for a proper knees. Photos came from the team that enjoys a night at a nightclub, Looking at the moment after their hard winning title.
The city played a 1-1 draw on the south coast and Guardiola praised the performance of his team, especially taking into account the celebrations they had enjoyed since the weekend.
“The game we played, 40 hours after I believe that I was drank all the alcohol in Manchester, 40 hours later we behave and showed why we are the champions,” he told Sky Sports after the race.
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5
“I won’t leave”
Since Manchester’s responsibility in 2016, Guardiola has turned the club from a talented but inconsistent team into the most dominant force in European football.
Thus, when the club was hit by 115 accusations for suspected violations of financial rules in February 2023 and rumors began to circulate that the city could treat relegation as punishment, the fans understood that Guardiola could get out of it.
However, addressing the issue in November, Guardiola assured supporters, stating that he remained fully committed to the club, regardless of the outcome of the accusations.
“I will not consider my future (if) depends (on) to be here or to be in the capital one,” said. “There are more likely to stay if we are in the league one than if we win the Champions League. What people blame us – we don’t agree with what they say.”
“We will defend (ourselves) and after the end of the resolution, I will be here, as a representative of my club,” he added.
6
“Everyone in this country support Liverpool”
For much of his time as a boss of the city of Manchester, Guardiola’s main opponents were Liverpool, with the Reds going steadily toe-to-toe with the city for the Premier League title and other high prices.
In May 2022, the two teams were again locked in an intense battle for the title, with Jurgen Klopp, Guardiola’s from just one point with only four games.
After the city hit Newcastle United 5-0 to move in three wins from the title, Guardiola took a not-so-fine digging in Liverpool, suggesting that the general public preferred to see them win the title over his team.
“Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone”, Told Bein Sports. “Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible story in European competition, not in the Premier League, because they have won one in 30 years, but it is not a problem at all.”
7
“We can’t replace him”
One of Guardiola’s most emotional moments came in May 2021, when he couldn’t hold his tears back, as he pays tribute to the Legend of Club Sergio Agüero after his penultimate game for Manchester City.
Agüero got off the bench to score twice as a City, already Premier League champions, destroyed Everton 5-0 at Etihad Stadium in what was a fairy tale.
“We love him so much, he is a special person for all of us,” Guardiola said of Agüero, who won five Premier League titles during his time in Manchester.
When asked how the club was planning to replace him, Guardiola, with tears running beneath his face, gave what has since become an unforgettable excerpt: “We cannot replace him.
8
“Happy New Year”
Sometimes, sometimes, Guardiola lets his feelings get the best of him, sinking on anyone on his path – whether he is a referee, a player, or the substitute bench, who gave a good kicks during the draw of the city with the 20th.
Sometimes, he also loses his cool with reporters, as he did with BBC Sport’s 2017 after a 2-1 fierce battle against Burnley, where Fernandinho is shipped after 32 minutes for a two-foot challenge to Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
Despite his victory, Guardiola was obviously disappointed and found He is involved in a tense exchangegiving a series of short, abrupt answers.
Asked about his view of Fernandinho’s red card, he replied: “You are the journalist.
Johnson replied: “You’re the manager, I’m sure the fans would like to know,” Which guardiola shot: “Ask the referee, not me.”
After undermining that the interpretation of the rules was different in Spain and Germany than in England, Johnson commented: “He does not seem to be happy to have won.”
Guardiola’s response has since become an internet mimic: “More than you would believe. More than you would believe, I’m happy.
“I’m so happy. Believe me. I’m so happy. Happy New Year.”
