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12 Years Ago, Pep Guardiola Took His First Step Into Management

12 Years Ago, Pep Guardiola Took His First Step Into Management

His record is quite incredible.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

On this day in 2007, Pep Guardiola took his first step into management. The rest, as they say, is history.

Just one year after being appointed manager of Barcelona B, president Joan Laporta would replace Frank Rijkaard with the Spaniard in what was seen as a bold move. It paid off.

The Spaniard has gone on to become one of the all-time greats, winning silverware with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and more recently Manchester City.

In that time, the 48-year-old has lost just 65 matches in 577 games, not to mention the fact his teams have scored 1,487 goals in those matches; an average of 2.57 goals per game.

The Spaniard has taken risk after risk in his managerial career and more often than not, they have paid off.


He employed Lionel Messi in the now-famous 'false nine' role and he went on to score 47 goals that season.

Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto were also given their debut under Guardiola, not to forget the talented Thiago Alcantara.

I think it's fair to say Guardiola has revolutionised football. Following hugely successful spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the Spaniard has come in and transformed the landscape of English football.

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

He struggled at first, but his philosophy soon rubbed off on Manchester City and they have since reaped the rewards.

Guardiola and his team won the Premier League with City for the second consecutive season, picking up the FA Cup and League Cup to secure a domestic treble.

Do you think Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches of all time?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Premier League, Bayern Munich

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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@jackkenmare_