FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.08.2009 17:00

Pep Guardiola’s methods revealed

Llorenç Tarrés

During FC Barcelona's trip to England and in their time in the United States, the team's training sessions were open and that has given a clear insight into the methods employed by coach Pep Guardiola.

Methodical, tireless and attentive are three words that can appropriately describe the Barça boss and the players are all too keen to do whatever he asks of them. In pre-season he has chosen to allow the media to see how things are done after spending so many week of the season ensuring that his session are carried out behind closed doors.

Guardiola's right-hand man, Tito Vilanova, often points out that the line between finishing first and second is a thin one and that remembering that is one of the keys to the Blaugrana's success last term.

Communication

Moments of luck can influence a team's success, or lack of it, but the club's coaching staff work as hard as they can to ensure that luck is good fortune is only required at a premium by making the players know exactly what is required.

Communication is vital as Guardiola constantly tells his charges that they must speak, while he is also concerned with their happiness too. Whether as a group or as individuals the trainer does not stop giving out orders in a bid to motivate his players.

Intensity levels

Intensity levels are also something that play a key role in the coach's plans. While the players may suffer because of that at times, according to Rafael Márquez, the Mexican tellingly stated: "But it is the intensity that was key in the success of last season."

Ballwork is also a constant feature as Guardiola likes his players to be able to continue to practice their technique and ability throughout the sessions.