Deco Plays Down Narrative that Pep Guardiola Revolutionised Barcelona

• Deco has played down Pep Guardiola’s impact at Barcelona
• Deco says the narrative that Guardiola revolutionised Barcelona is 'a lie'
• Guardiola is largely credited for managing one of the most potent Barcelona teams

Pep Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the greatest football managers in the modern era and perhaps of all time.

However, not everyone believes the Spaniard deserves to be classified as one of the tacticians who revolutionised one of the best teams in the modern era.

Barcelona Sporting Director, Deco, recently dismissed the notion that it was Guardiola who ushered in a revolution at the club.

Guardiola took charge of Barcelona in 2008 when the club was going through a tough spell, having lost the La Liga title to arch-rivals Real Madrid.

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At the time, the Catalan giants finished a massive 18 points off Los Blancos, prompting the need for fresh ideas within the club.

Guardiola’s arrival at the Nou Camp came with some casualties, among them the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldinho and Deco, who were considered surplus to requirements and were ultimately sold by the club.

In an interview with La Vanguardia, as carried by Diario AS, Deco addressed the narrative that Guardiola transformed Barcelona upon his arrival, terming the whole notion as a ‘lie’.

According to the Brazilian-Portuguese former midfielder, Guardiola still had a decent squad to work with, making his job relatively easier.

“When he arrived at Barcelona, it’s talked about as a great revolution, which is a big lie. Ronaldinho and I left, but he had Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets was promoted, Yaya Toure, the best player in Africa, Messi, of course, Samuel Eto’o…” Deco said.

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The former midfielder, however, gave Guardiola some credit, admitting the Spaniard authored one of the best teams he has ever seen.

“Guardiola was intelligent, and when he arrived, he put discipline in place and his quality as a manager into it and went on to build the best team I have ever seen in my life. And he was smart, he knew not to waste time on other things.”

In an interesting twist of fate, Deco’s comments come at a time when he is in charge of a crucial department within Barcelona as he will be one of the key stakeholders in selecting the club’s next manager.

Barca legend Xavi confirmed last week that he would leave the club at the end of the season after two and a half years in charge after defeat to Villareal left the club 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

"I've thought about the club ... and above all the players," said Xavi, per France24.

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"I have the feeling that I am doing the right thing, that I am acting with common sense.

"I think the club needs a change of dynamics; the dynamic is very negative."

Guardiola on Premier League title race

In other news, Pep Guardiola recently hinted at Manchester City's secret weapon in the Premier League title race.

After Arsenal’s win over Liverpool, Manchester City are poised to go top of the table if they win their two games in hand.

As Sports Brief reported, City’s last win had Guardiola raving about his star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who got another assist since his return from a lengthy hamstring injury.