The Cruyff to Guardiola lineage is relly one of the most fascinatin stories in modern football. What strikes me most is how Pep's genuis isn't just tactical, but deeply philosophical about the game itself. The point about his teams spending is fair, but I think the influence he's had transcends his budgets. Every top club now tries to play out from the back, build through midfield, and press high. That's his legcy right there.
The way you captured Guardiola's obsesion with perfection really resonates. That 32 minute rule from Estiarte is such a perfect encapsulation of what drives someone to 1000 games at that level. What strikes me most is how Cruyff's influence became almost like DNA that Guardiola then passed on to Arteta, Kompany, and Alonso. Each generation adapts it but the core philosophy remains. The financial critisism is valid but at some point you have to acknowledge that spending money is one thing and actually creating a system that transforms players is another entirely.
Great piece Sarthak! Would’ve been nice to see some mention of Pep’s arch nemesis in Spain and CL, and who often unlocked those tactics with brilliance of their own. RM :)
I hear you, but that tangent would then lead us into a nowhereland. :) Madrid cannot be mentioned without mentioning Klopp, Dortmund, and Liverpool; then Ole and Conte. Felt that would distract us from the spine of the story. Maybe I'll have a nemesis essay for another day, haha!
1- pep’s tenure creating a certain fear psychosis in RM, which almost never existed earlier, and that enormity given their rivalry. And frankly how much catalans love to go on about it :P
2- That as much as Pep’s style is about the process, trying to win the CL often boils down to mentality and moments. Where his teams have often fallen short post the barça time.
I know I’m probably overreaching here - but wanted to take that chance since it’s honestly one of the most balanced pieces on him I’ve read :)
Oh no, I thoroughly appreciate you reaching out, don't worry about that! Your POV is totally valid. It just didn't fit for *this* piece, is all. :)
Also, let's not accuse Lahm and Muller of lacking mentality man hahaha. But I hear you, a lot needs to go right to finish the CL job, which it didn't for Pep's teams. Maybe we can unpeel what goes into winning the big tournaments in a future essay!
Brilliant writing ❤️
Thank you! :)
The Cruyff to Guardiola lineage is relly one of the most fascinatin stories in modern football. What strikes me most is how Pep's genuis isn't just tactical, but deeply philosophical about the game itself. The point about his teams spending is fair, but I think the influence he's had transcends his budgets. Every top club now tries to play out from the back, build through midfield, and press high. That's his legcy right there.
This was excellent. And both disappointing and inspiring to read as a long time Man City fan. Thanks for this deep dive Sarthak.
Thank you so much for reading, Abhishek!
The way you captured Guardiola's obsesion with perfection really resonates. That 32 minute rule from Estiarte is such a perfect encapsulation of what drives someone to 1000 games at that level. What strikes me most is how Cruyff's influence became almost like DNA that Guardiola then passed on to Arteta, Kompany, and Alonso. Each generation adapts it but the core philosophy remains. The financial critisism is valid but at some point you have to acknowledge that spending money is one thing and actually creating a system that transforms players is another entirely.
Thank you for reading!
Unbearably good piece! (Unbearable cos I wish I could write and find patterns like you do.) 😊
Thank you so much, Venkatesh! Very kind of you :)
Great piece Sarthak! Would’ve been nice to see some mention of Pep’s arch nemesis in Spain and CL, and who often unlocked those tactics with brilliance of their own. RM :)
Thank you, Sudhanshu!
I hear you, but that tangent would then lead us into a nowhereland. :) Madrid cannot be mentioned without mentioning Klopp, Dortmund, and Liverpool; then Ole and Conte. Felt that would distract us from the spine of the story. Maybe I'll have a nemesis essay for another day, haha!
Hmm..I was coming more from the pov of
1- pep’s tenure creating a certain fear psychosis in RM, which almost never existed earlier, and that enormity given their rivalry. And frankly how much catalans love to go on about it :P
2- That as much as Pep’s style is about the process, trying to win the CL often boils down to mentality and moments. Where his teams have often fallen short post the barça time.
I know I’m probably overreaching here - but wanted to take that chance since it’s honestly one of the most balanced pieces on him I’ve read :)
Oh no, I thoroughly appreciate you reaching out, don't worry about that! Your POV is totally valid. It just didn't fit for *this* piece, is all. :)
Also, let's not accuse Lahm and Muller of lacking mentality man hahaha. But I hear you, a lot needs to go right to finish the CL job, which it didn't for Pep's teams. Maybe we can unpeel what goes into winning the big tournaments in a future essay!
Wanted to savour this when I had the time to give it my full attention. I wasn’t disappointed. Great, great piece, Sarthak!
An ultimate read on Pep!