Pep Guardiola is most commonly known as the incredible manager of Manchester City in the Premier League, having won the trophy yet again this year. He consistently puts out high-end performances, snatches up the biggest players on the transfer market, and uses his charm and charisma to win over the hearts of fans and viewers who watch his pregame and postgame conversations with the squad.
But, many people forget that Pep Guardiola had a whole career before signing the contract with City in the EPL. He began his career many years ago as a player and has since transitioned into being an elite coach at various clubs in the world.
Pep Guardiola Coaching Career
Pep Guardiola didn’t just fall into the Premier League without doing his due diligence first. Before he became the manager of one of the winningest clubs in the history of football, he had to work his way up the ranks.
Guardiola had a prolific career as a player before he began working behind the scenes, getting appearances for the Barcelona C and B team before showing that he was worthy of playing for the senior squad. After joining the full first team of Barca in 1990, he stayed at the club for over one decade, amassing an impressive 263 appearances for the club.
To round out his career, he finished with teams like Brescia, Roma, Al-Ahli, and Dorados to try his luck at new clubs, extend his playing days, and travel the world.
After he retired from playing in 2006, he immediately transitioned to being a manager. He began his managerial career for the Barcelona B team in 2007, then worked his way up to the senior squad – just like he did as a player. He managed Barcelona from 2008 to 2012, leading Barca to the treble-winning season of earning trophies in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.
After a highly successful inaugural year as the Barca manager, he soon transitioned to coaching in the German Bundesliga for Bayern Munich in 2013. During his time at Bayern, Pep Guardiola won the Bundesliga three times, plus winning two domestic double seasons. His proficiency at managing in two different countries caught the eyes of those at City, who offered him a contract to start working as the gaffer in 2016.
Could Pep Guardiola Return to Barcelona FC?
Pep Guardiola doesn’t seem to want to leave his current club, City, any time soon. Although Pep Guardiola had fantastic playing days at Barca and started his managerial career at the same club, he doesn’t want to return to the club at any foreseeable point in the future.
Pep Guardiola was asked on Monday in a press conference if he would be open to returning to the Catalan club once his City contract expires in June 2025.
‘It’s a door that is closed. What is certain is that it’s not my fault. That’s for sure. I’ve been 11 or 12 years away from Barcelona. I’m not a suspect in that sense. Ask that to those who have made the comparisons, I haven’t. I wish Xavi the best in finding a new challenge.’
Pep Guardiola hints that there may be internal issues at the club that could drive managers out of the leading position. The new manager, Flick, will have to follow in the shoes of Xavi and Pep, seeing if he can also bring the squad to win La Liga and reclaim former glory.
‘I wish him the best of luck in the world. Hansi is an extraordinary person, who has a lot of desire. A lot. But he needs his time. What he did at Bayern was extraordinary, he won everything.’
Let’s see if he can win at La Liga, too.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
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