Pep Guardiola's 5 Most Defining Decisions as Barcelona Coach

In a little less than four years, Pep Guardiola has arguably become the most coveted manager in World Football.

Three consecutive La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, two Super Cups, two World Club Championships—the list is endless and it continues to grow.

Remarkably, the Spaniard still has his detractors who argue that he has inherited a super squad that picks itself. But in reality, that couldn't be further from the truth. Guardiola is one of the most hard-working, tactically-astute coaches in the modern era.

Although the likes of Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini grab the majority of the headlines, the 41-year-old continues to have greater success on a more consistent basis.

Here are five of the most defining decisions he has made as head coach....

5) Promoting Sergio Busquets and Pedro

One of the first decisions Guardiola made when appointed head coach in 2008 was to promote Sergio Busquets and Pedro from the bench to the starting lineup.

He believed both players were perfects fits for the team work ethic he so desperately wanted to introduce.

Both men reveled in their new roles as defensive midfielder and attacking winger, respectively, and have since become household names.

Once Guardiola has identified the talent, he puts his trust in players and they continually reciprocate the favour by thriving in their new responsibilities, making fantastic contributions on the pitch whilst having huge respect for their manager off it.   

4) Changing to a 3-4-3 Formation

Many current managers and experts credit Barcelona's current playing style as "complete football."

But what is complete football and how did it begin?

Pep Guardiola's change in tactics are a huge reason why Barcelona are the most attractive to team watch in the world.

The previous formation of 4-3-3 proved incredibly successful during the Frank Rijkaard era with the likes of Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o thriving on quality service.

But times change and two successive La Liga failures in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 season prompted a change of manager and a change of outlook.

It takes a strong man to change something that is not technically broken, but that's exactly what Guardiola did in moving to a 3-4-3. 

The focus is now on possession, combined with an aggressive pressing style both on and off the ball.

With renewed discipline and appreciation of full-backs such as Daniel Alves, the best team in the world have adapted the new system which has heralded the golden era of complete football at Camp Nou. 

3) His Fallout with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Maybe seen as one of the small downsides to the Guardiola era to date, the fallout with Zlatan Ibrahimovic was actually a defining moment in the Spaniard's managerial career.

Brought in for a massive $94 million with a huge reputation, Ibrahimovic settled in very quickly after signing a five-year contract with the Catalan giants.

22 goals in 45 matches represented an excellent first season on the pitch, but behind the scenes, it was a completely differently story.

The Swedish international refused to buy into Guardiola's new hard-working team ethic and seldom strayed from the central forward line assigned to him.

That did not wash with Guardiola, and the relationship became further strained when Messi was moved from a wide-right position to the middle.

A series of comments followed in the media and despite his huge fee, the 30-year-old was given his marching orders, loaned out and then bought by AC Milan the following season.

It was a huge message to anyone connected with the club as to what Guardiola expected from his playing staff.

With the success they have had since his departure, it doesn't take a genius to work out who was in the right.

2) Putting Faith in Xavi and Iniesta

A huge part of Barcelona's recent dominance, Xavi and Iniesta's midfield roles should not be underestimated.

Guardiola has put a lot of faith in the pair as they continue to deliver quality performances, giving the likes of Messi the perfect platform to destroy the opposition.

Teammates at club and international level, the two go together like salt and pepper and can easily be described as the most reliable pairing in World Football.

At 32 and 27, respectively, they still have plenty more football left in them and it's very difficult to see them leaving the club, especially with Guardiola at the helm.

Xavi recently declared his admiration and respect for his coach, saying, "Those who think they are untouchable won't go far under Pep. History doesn't count for anything. We are all equal and have to show that we deserve to play."

1) Moving Lionel Messi to a False 9

Moving Lionel Messi from a wide-right position into the centre has undoubtedly changed the fortunes of Barcelona and Messi himself.

Although plenty of people disagreed with the move at the time (including many of the playing squad), Guardiola knew different.

He saw the youngster's talents would be best used through the middle, but not as a typical No. 9 striker.

In fact, Messi is anything but a regular striker, constantly leaving his forward role to drop deeper—hence becoming a false No. 9.

Given a free role by Guardiola has allowed Messi to have a greater influence on the game as the opposition struggles to come to terms with the pace and movement of the young Argentinean.

Defenders continually struggle to play a high line against Messi, while midfielders try to pick him up but end up being outnumbered in other positions.

Make no mistake, Messi is as close to unplayable as it gets and at 24 years old, and there's plenty more to come.

As a result, Barcelona have become a far more dangerous side and have the trophies to prove it.

Messi has a lot to thank Guardiola for and it's clear that the two have huge mutual respect for each other.