Pep Guardiola (52), who leads Manchester City in the English Premier League, revealed his unchanging affection for his ‘home team’ in a media interview. He made his debut as a professional player, established himself as a legend, and after his retirement, he has affection for his ‘hometown team’ Barcelona, where he served as a manager for 4 years (2008-2012). “When Barcelona calls, I go,” said Guardiola.
Overseas soccer media Football España reported on the 27th (Korean time) that ‘Coach Pep said he would go when Barcelona called’. Of course, it is not a statement to the effect that I want to immediately put down the Manchester City baton and go to Barcelona. This remark was a symbolic metaphor that came out in the process of defending Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whom he had as a coach.
Pep’s Man City are currently competing for the league championship with Arteta’s Arsenal. Although Arsenal have played one game less, they have an advantage as they are 5 points ahead. Man City are in a position to chase. Coincidentally, the two directors have a deep relationship in the past. Director Arteta was a Manchester City coach under Pep and became independent as Arsenal manager in 2019. Although they are rivals now, they were like teachers and students in the past.
Because of this, a question came to Pep about when Arteta left for Arsenal in the past. Pep defended Arteta without hesitation. He said: “When he was my assistant at Manchester City, Arteta was crazy about most of the goal scenes, but not as much as the game against Arsenal. He loved Arsenal. It’s like me and Barça. If I (not the manager) I was the coach, and if Barcelona had called me, I would have gone, because it’s my team.” In other words, it means that Arteta understands 100% that he has been independent from his coaching staff and has been appointed Arsenal manager. 온라인바카라
Although it was a statement in favor of director Arteta, director Pep revealed that ‘Barcelona’ is always ranked 1st in his mind. Pep has a contract with Manchester City until 2025. After that, there is no law against taking the Barcelona baton again.