Pep Guardiola named the one player who ‘helped him understand football better’

Since joining English football, Guardiola became the first manager to guide a team to four consecutive Premier League titles and also achieved a historic treble with City.

The former Barcelona midfielder has coached some of the best players in the world, including Lionel Messi, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Aguero, and Kevin De Bruyne.

However, one player, in particular, helped Guardiola gain a deeper understanding of the game.

In 2018, Guardiola lavished praise on former Barcelona and Spain star Andres Iniesta.

He said: “I think he’s a part of the history Barcelona have left in the last 15-20 years that would not have been possible without him. I just can say thank you, he helped me.

“People think the manager helps the players but in a few cases, Andres is one of them, he helped me to understand the game better. Just watching him, what he does on the football pitch. The amount of tackles he won, the way he played, the example for the way to be a professional on and off the pitch.”

Guardiola added: “All the best for the future. When he decides to retire, hopefully (after) one decade more, he can come back into football, Barcelona especially, to teach the young players or even professional players on the pitch.

“It was really a pleasure. He had a gift. It wasn’t easy for me or my staff at the beginning but he was there, supporting us, always convinced it would work. I wish him the best for the future. I’m sure he will be remembered and I think that’s a lot, talking about football.”