This Friday is the third anniversary of Josep Guardiola’s presentation as first team manager. On June 17, 2008, a project began that has gone on to make history.
10 titles out of 13
Josep Guardiola has an extraordfinary record at the heklm of the first team, having won 10 titles
out of a possible 13:
3 Leagues
2 Champions leagues
2 Spanish Supercups
1 Clubs World Cup
1 Spanish Supercup
1 Copa del Rey
“I cannot promise titles, but I am sure the people will be proud of us”. Those were the
words of a young coach of just 37 years, who had just taken Barça B up to Division 2B. He had
achieved everything as a player, but was only just starting out as a professional coach. It was
Josep Guardiola, but three years after pronouncing those words, he has achieved recognition as the
architect of the best Barça team ever, and one of the best teams ever to grace the football world.
Sala París was the place where Guardiola told the press and fans about his ambitions. Despite
his modesty, he said his desire was to build a winning club, and that he was convinced of his
possibilities. “I feel strong and ready, if not, I wouldn’t be here. I have no fear and
the challenge doesn’t frighten me. We know it won’t be easy, but I’ll
persist”.
Guardiola
said little about techniques or tactics, limiting himself to saying “the most important thing
is to win and all styles are good for winning. I know what style I want and want to transmit.
I’m a fan of attacking football because of the way I was trained and I believe a lot in
talent in hard work.” He certainly managed to keep his word.
Guardiola promised no titles, just work, commitment and dedication. Neither did he ask for
patience, because he knows Barcelona is a team where the players and coaches are judged on results.
He didn’t need to. The team responded to perfection by winning a historic treble in his first
year and going on to shine in the most brilliant period in club history.