Eighteen years ago today, on Dec. 16 1990, a 19-year-old midfielder made his debut for Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona dream team in a Primera Liga match against Cadiz.
Pep Guardiola, who picked up a yellow card that day as the Catalans won 2-0, has come a long way since then, carving out a distinguished career both for Barca and the Spanish national side before taking over as coach at the Nou Camp from Frank Rijkaard at the end of last season.
The dapper Guardiola, who cuts a reserved yet assured figure, immediately stamped his mark on the squad, junking the under-performing Ronaldinho and the unwanted Deco, and bringing in the dynamic Daniel Alves and midfield pair Aleksandr Hleb and Seydou Keita.
He has restored the discipline, professionalism and team spirit to the club and the results are there for all to see: a lead of eight points at the top of the table, 46 goals in 15 matches with only nine conceded and, best of all, a 12-point advantage over champions Real Madrid.
In their last three league matches, Barca have dismissed three of their closest rivals with uncanny ease — 3-0 at Sevilla, 4-0 at home to Valencia and 2-0 in Saturday’s “Clasico” at the Nou Camp against Real Madrid.
This without the creative midfield talents of Spain international Andres Iniesta, who has been out for six weeks with a thigh strain but may return as soon as Sunday’s match at Villarreal.
After such an explosive start to the season, and with confidence and expectations sky high, anything but a Champions League, Primera Liga and King’s Cup treble would surely be a disappointment.
PHOTO: Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola smiles during the news conference at the Nou Camp Dec. 12, 2008. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino
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- Posted by Pep Guardiola's first start for Barcelona, 18 years ago today. - The Run of Play[...] Source: Iain Rogers [...]
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- Posted by Guardiola has come a long way in 18 years - Everything related to European FootballHis greatest achievement was probably reversing the decision to let Eto’o leave.
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- Posted by Guardiola has come a long way in 18 years | Sports 40Hello.
I enjoyed reading articles on your blog. I inform you of an interesting k-league related article. If I bothered, please accept my apology and forget this message. Sorry.
- Posted by Shaun—
How embarassing!
It took 26 years for K-league to record the historic 10,000th goal, but unfortunately it was an own goal.
A special award for the scorer for the 10,000th goal has been cancelled by Korea Football Association.
[...] Read the original: Reuters Soccer Blog » Blog Archive » Guardiola has come a long way … [...]
- Posted by Reuters Soccer Blog » Blog Archive » Guardiola has come a long way … | Sports Blog - ScoresPro.comBarca Dream Team this season will not be beat I dont think!!
- Posted by dave stopher> After such an explosive start to the season, and with confidence and expectations sky high, anything but a Champions League, Primera Liga and King’s Cup treble would surely be a disappointment.
Yeah right. You’re joking, right ? All due respect for Guardiola but if they win one of the big two they’ll be happy.
- Posted by FFhis very best decision was reversing to let SAMUEL ETO’O FILS leave. he would have regretted it and regretted his whole coaching career! ETO’O IS NOW THE BEST IN THE WORLD! SO, THAT WAS A GOOD JOB HE DID BY EATING UP HIS WORDS!
- Posted by adaeze