Pep Guardiola Named Best Male Coach at FIFA Awards as Comparison between Manchester City and Barcelona Heats Up
In a moment of candid reflection, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave a succinct yet expletive-laden response when posed with the choice between his current club and his former powerhouse, Barcelona. The revelation occurred during The Best FIFA Awards 2023 ceremony in London on Monday, where Guardiola was named the best male coach in the world.
Guardiola’s accolade came on the back of guiding Manchester City to a historic treble last season, securing triumphs in the Premier League, FA Cup, and the coveted Champions League. While City has claimed the Premier League title five times under Guardiola’s seven-season tenure, the Champions League victory marked a significant milestone as the first in the club’s history.
The seasoned coach had previously achieved a treble with his 2008-09 Barcelona team, a squad often hailed as the greatest in the history of football. Comprising legendary figures like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Carles Puyol, Barcelona’s achievements inevitably drew comparisons with City’s recent success. Notable players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Rodri, and John Stones have contributed to Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign.
When posed with the question of which treble-winning team was superior, Guardiola’s immediate response was a one-word expletive. Reflecting on the comparison, he then stated, “I don’t know…it would be a good game! We will see who is the manager [in the opposite dugout]. Both are incredible teams.”
Guardiola acknowledged the exceptional nature of his Barcelona team, describing them as “incredible” and highlighting their youthfulness during their dominant period. However, he praised his current squad in the English Premier League, emphasizing their toughness and competitiveness across various competitions.
In his acceptance speech, Guardiola expressed his deep connection with Barcelona, stating, “Barca is the club of my heart, the reason I am here, it is part of my life.” Despite the comparison, Guardiola conveyed that the ultimate reward as a manager is simply being with his players, irrespective of winning or losing, highlighting the bond he shares with his team at Manchester City.
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