I finished Guillem Balague's biography of Pep Guardiola today which covers his time and successes at FC Barcelona as their head coach/manager. It's really good and definitely worth a read if you're into football and football psychology. It covers his footballing mindset, his relationship with his players and a decent chapter on his rivalry with Jose Maurinho. It's loaded with content! Here are some of quotes from the book:
"... 'The ball runs faster than any human, so it's the ball that has to do the running!'..."
"...'Look at him! Him, that one there! He's hiding! Your team-mates need to know that you are always available!' he'll shout..."
"... 'I only ask this of you. I won't tell you off if you misplace a pass, or miss a header that costs us a goal, as long as I know you are giving 100 per cent. I could forgive you any mistake, but I won't forgive you if you don't give your heart and soul to Barcelona.'... 'I'm not asking results of you, just performance.'..."
"... 'The style comes dictated by the history of this club and we will be faithful to it. When we have the ball, we can't lose it. And when that happens, run and get it back. That is it, basically.'..."
"... 'In every talk, ... I have put my heart into them. And when I don't feel it, I don't speak, it's the best way. There are days when you think that you have to say something, but you don't feel it, so at times like that it is better to keep quiet'..."
"...'One of the best things that FC Barcelona do is run with the ball to provoke or tease, not to dribble.'... A trick to test an opponent, to pull them out of position to create space..."
"... each game would be treated as a final and every minute of every game had equal importance. He doesn't understand or accept a group that doesn't shout, hug, give their all..."
"... Even if it is a slap. Pep touches constantly, hugs, pushes them, motivates them, to keep them on their toes, to make them feel loved. And his experience as a footballer allows him to decide when to do it or when not to do it..."
