Looking at Pep Guardiola’s coaching history: Is he the best coach in the world currently?

Looking at Pep Guardiola’s coaching history: Is he the best coach in the world currently?

Grace Waruguru
April 13, 2024 at 6:02 PM
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Pep Guardiola's coaching history is one of the most exciting ones; no wonder he is among football's richest and most decorated coaches in the world. The Spanish manager has coached some of the best football teams, leading them to victory; he has built his managerial portfolio from the ground up. Read all about Pep's coaching career in this article.

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is among the best football managers of all time. Photo: @pepteam (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Table of Сontents:

Pep Guardiola spent his playing career with clubs like Barcelona, Bresia, and Roma. He also represented his national team from 1991 to 2005. He has achieved more as a manager than a player, setting world records. Read on and discover Pep Guardiola's coaching history and why he is among the best of all time.

Pep Guardiola's profile and bio summary

Full name

Josep Guardiola Sala

Age

53 years old (As of 2024)

Date of birth

January 18th, 1971

Place of birth

Santpedor, Spain

Nationality

Spanish

Ethnicity

Spanish

Parents

Valenti Guardiola and Dolors Sala

Siblings

Pere Guardiola, Francesca Guardiola I Sala, Olga Guardiola

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Cristina Serra

Children

Maria Guardiola, Valentina Guardiola, Marius Guardiola

Height

5 feet, 11 inches

Weight

76kgs

Hair colour

Bald

Eye colour

Brown

Profession

Professional football manager

Teams coached

Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Barcelona Atletic

Net worth

$60 million

What is Pep Guardiola's coaching history?

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on April 9, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Oscar J. Barroso
Source: Getty Images

After retiring from playing in 2006, Guardiola transitioned to football management, working with clubs like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. He boasts 35 trophies as a manager (As of April 2024).

Where did Pep Guardiola get his coaching license? The manager got his certification from the UEFA Pro Licence. Here is a detailed dive into Pep Guardiola's managerial history:

Pep Guardiola's coaching staff career at Barcelona

In June 2007, Josep joined Barcelona B, his first team as a coach, assisted by Tito Vilanova. Under his leadership, the team won their Tercera Division group and proceeded to the 2008 Division B playoffs. He spent one year with the team before joining the senior squad at the end of the 2007/2008 season.

Pep Guardiola in April 2024
Pep Guardiola speaks during the Manchester City Press Conference at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 8, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Alberto Gardin
Source: Getty Images

After his appointment, Pep announced that he did not intend to proceed with Samuel Eto'o, Deco, and Ronaldinho into the season. However, Eto'o stayed on the team. He emphasized a more serious work ethic and a closer relationship with the players.

Barca beat Manchester United 2-0, becoming the first Spanish club to win the domestic and league cups and the European club titles in the same season, recognized as one of the best in the club's history. Additionally, Pep was the youngest manager to lead a Champions League-winning team (37 years).

In 2009, Pep Guardiola's coaching stats went a notch higher when he celebrated his 50th professional victory and won the FIFA Club World Cup champions for the first time in history. Pep Guardiola's coaching record includes being the first football manager in history to win a record six trophies in one year:

  • Spanish League
  • Copa del Rey
  • Champions League
  • Spanish Super Cup
  • European Super Cup
  • Club World Cup
Pep Guardiola Real Madrid coach
Pep Guardiola at the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 9, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Jose Breton
Source: Getty Images

Guardiola is Barcelona's longest-serving Spanish manager. In 2012, the athlete was named the FIFA Coach of the Year. He stayed with the franchise until the end of the 2020/2011 season when he joined Bayern Munich in 2013.

Pep Guardiola's coaching staff tenure at Bayern Munich

In January 2013, the 53-year-old joined Bayern Munich as a manager. In the same month, he was ranked third in the 2012 FIFA World Coach of the Year. He spent three years with the team. Pep Guardiola's coaching trophies with the German club include:

  • UEFA Super Cup (2013)
  • FIBA Club World Cup (2013)
  • Three Bundesliga cups ( 2014, 2015, 2016)
  • Two DFB-Pokhal cups ( 2014, 2016)

Pep Guardiola's achievements at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola former Barcelona coach
Josep Guardiola gestures during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 9, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Harry Langer
Source: Getty Images

Josep joined Manchester City on a three-year contract in 2016. His first victory came in August of the same year when the franchise defeated Sunderland 2-1. In September, he won his first Manchester derby as a manager when his team beat The Red Devils 2-1.

Guardiola faced his worst managerial defeat during his tenure with City when Everton beat them 4-0. Pep's team was eliminated from the Champions League in the 16th round. He celebrated his 100th game as a manager with a best record (61 wins and 23 draws). He finished the 2016/17 season without a trophy for the first time as a manager.

What is Pep Guardiola's coaching philosophy?

The Spanish football manager has set impressive records with the teams he has managed. According to online sources, his philosophy revolves around possession-based football and a focus on technical ability. His players have mastered quick passing, skillfully interchanging positions and physical fitness.

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola addresses the media after the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City on April 09, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Gonzalo Arroyo
Source: Getty Images

Pep Guardiola's coaching style emphasizes controlling the game through ball possession. In an interview with soccer-coaches.com, Pep cited,

All the managers in the world, it doesn’t matter how good you are, if your players don’t understand what you are looking for or what you want, it makes no sense.

Frequently asked questions

Pep Guardiola is undoubtedly among the most successful football managers. Here are some frequently asked questions about the coach:

How many Premier Leagues has Guardiola won?

The player has five Premier League titles with Manchester City (As of April 2024). In total, he has won 35 trophies throughout his managerial career.

How many teams has Pep Guardiola coached?

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on April 6, 2024, in London, England. Photo: Andrew Kearns
Source: Getty Images

Guardiola's coaching career debut was with Barcelona B for one year. He then moved to the senior team before transferring to Bayern Munich. In 2016, he joined Manchester City.

Final word

Pep Guardiola's coaching history has inspired several players to hone their managerial skills as they advance in their careers. Some of his assistants have followed his apprenticeship and enjoy successful careers in various teams worldwide.

READ ALSO: Ten best managers who never played professional football

Sports Brief published a listicle of the top 10 football managers who never started as players. These individuals have excelled in their careers, leading their teams to numerous victories. Who are some of these individuals?

Arrigo Sachi, who coached the team he could not play for as a teenager, tops the list. He managed teams like Baracca Lugo and Parma. Others include Carlos Alberto Parreira, Guy Roux, and Bill Struth. Check out the complete list in the article above.

Authors
Grace Waruguru photo
Grace Waruguru
Grace has over 4 years of experience in article writing and digital media content creation for various local and global brands. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication (Public Relations) from Daystar University, Kenya.
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