Pepe, thank you very much

Marcelo Bielsa said in his presentation as the new coach of the Uruguayan national team, among other things, that football belongs to the fans and the players. “And then there are those who mediate between them: the coaches, the leaders and the journalists. The three of us are the worst in football.”

I do not agree with the latter, but I respect the opinion of a very intelligent football man. And much less after seeing the exhibition of Manchester City, the team – the symphony – directed by Pep Guardiola.

As long as there are technicians like him, sponsoring and authorizing a football that achieves a high degree of artistry, that is more akin to ballet, and not just a sport mediated by efficiency, football and its fans will be – we will be – happier.

Guardiola’s City practice total football, that of Holland in the 1970s, but without the fear of heights, but with a compelling, artistic cadence, with an unconditional love for the ball, with which it defends and attacks; with the one who dominates and wears out; controls and hurts; and win.

Guardiola manages to make all his players evolve, to be able to play in different places and with different functions. That everyone intervenes almost simultaneously, with great quality and coordination, in the two phases of the game. Obsessed with attacking and possession and a tactical innovator, Guardiola transcends his huge statistics and brings to football a style that is close to football in its purest form.

A choir football, with the obligation to care, to caress the ball. To restore it quickly to continue to dominate and subdue the rival. A football that is an ode to harmony. Pep football says thank you very much.

Source: El heraldo

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