Josep Guardiola: A Barcelona Legend at Work

You can imagine the scene around the world as we speak.  European club managers sit scouring video, preparing a shortlist of World Cup players to scout.  As the elite clubs prepare to battle for the stars of the tournament, Josep "Pep" Guardiola can relax in the knowledge that a likely Golden Boot winner, David Villa, will be heading to the Nou Camp after the tournament. 

As far as timing goes, it is reminiscent of that kid in the class who hands in his homework assignment a month early, leaving idiots like us to rush in an attempt to beat the deadline, only to receive an inferior grade to the whizz kid.  But then again, many things about Pep Guardiola seem to be just a step ahead of the rest.

A product himself of the Barcelona youth academy, he was spotted during a youth game by the great Johan Cruyff while playing on the right of midfield.  Such was the impression made by Guardiola, Cruyff ventured to the dugout at half time and ordered the youth team manager to move him to central midfield.   Guardiola went on to play over 250 games for the Catalan Giants, and earn 47 caps for Spain.

Guardiola took brief control of Barcelona B before taking the hot seat with the Catalan Giants.  Such a task one would think daunting, but Guardiola immediately stamped his authority offloading stars such as Deco and Ronaldinho.  His first signings included Dani Alves and Gerard Pique who continue to star in the team. 

He has clearly got the best out of Pique, who struggled to make an impact at Manchester United, only to go on and play a big role in defeating the Red Devils in the 2009 Champions League final.

It is refreshing that one of the key ingredients in the success of Guardiola is simply hard work.  Rather than waxing lyrical about a superior knowledge, Pep is student of the game who commits his life to success.  He is often known to leave the Barcelona ground at 1a.m. after completing a day’s work, only to return early the next morning. 

In a BBC interview, Spanish football expert Graham Hunter said “Guardiola brings an obsessive analysis —of his team, of the way the team play, and of the team's opponents. As a player he was a genuine student of the game, but his attention to detail and knowledge of football has grown exponentially since then”.

Indeed Guardiola is reported to control everything, even having input on the shape of the press room, and the temperature of the changing room.  Pep holds high standards and expects the same of his players, he once fined a player for arriving one minute late onto the training field, and fined all his teammates at the same time.  The message has been received and shows through in the play of Barcelona.

The tempo and technical ability in possession is truly a joy to behold, and there for all observers to see.  However, scratch below the surface and you will find some things that are equally impressive. 

When they lose possession, Barca compress and work like terriers to win the ball back, only to scatter and launch lethal and rapid counter attacks when possession is won.  The level of consistency and ruthlessness achieved by Barcelona is simply impossible without a high level of mental focus. 

Arsenal will tell you that Barcelona are capable of destroying you —witness the four goal Messi supershow in London during this last Champions League. 

Chelsea also learned that Barcelona can win a war of attrition.  In the 2009 semi final Chelsea were edging a very tight and defensive tie 1-0 towards the end of the second leg.  Only for Andres Iniesta to launch an injury time winner that sent Barca to the Champions League final on away goals.

The success of Guardiola cannot be questioned, after only two seasons in the job, Guardiola already won the following honors:Two La Liga titles (2009 and 2010), 2009 Champions League title, 2009 Copa Del Rey, 2009 Spanish Super Cup, 2009 UEFA Super Cup, and 2009 FIFA Club World Cup. 

It is a list of achievements that would make him a great if it was achieved in a full career.  But two seasons?  It is simply staggering.

The most refreshing aspect of all this success is the humility, grace and attitude with which it is achieved in.  Many coaches after succeeding smugly imply their system or strategy was the reason, or find a way to shine the success on themselves indirectly.  Guardiola simply spoke the truth. 

“We could have done the same thing all over again and not win any titles”.  He is exactly right; Iniesta could have missed, a referee decision could change history, or simply a bad day could end the hope of a trophy.  However, the work ethic and attitude of Guardiola will prevail, and for that reason, success will always be ahead of him and his team.

Guardiola has shown greatness in defeat as well as victory.  Excuses are a common disease in today’s sporting culture.  Teams and coaches that lose or draw like to score moral victory points after failing to achieve what they set out to do.  Fans buy in and the true point of sport is missed, making adjustments and achieving results. 

Arsene Wenger has the habit of losing to Sam Allardyce coached teams and complaining about the style in which it happened. Will Wenger ever adjust and adapt to beat these teams or will fans suffer these excuses forever?  Rafael Benitez will draw at home to Everton and accuse them of “small club” tactics.  The fact is it is the job of Liverpool to solve the problems caused by opposition styles. 

So how does this relate to Guardiola?

Well, Pep had the ultimate excuse after this year’s exit in the Champions League semi finals.  Half of the media already made the excuse for him criticizing the boring and ultra defensive play of Inter Milan. 

What did Guardiola have to say? 

“It is not my role to criticize the opposition.  Teams play how they play and in sport the teams that wins got it right”.  No excuses, no moral victory, and simply an acceptance of reality.  It was likely followed by an early morning at work the next day and preparation beginning to adjust and beat Inter next time.

You can guarantee one thing in sport, success is never every season, but with the work ethic and attitude of Guardiola.  His success will be often, and his greatness forever.