During his time at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola had won three back-to-back La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, the Copa Del Rey twice, the UEFA Super Cup twice and also lead Barcelona to the World Club Title on both occasions they were entered. This title haul has led to him being widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world. In a list of the greatest managers since 2008 Pep Guardiola would be on top. During this period he has managed to change the face of football firmly planting a Catalan flag at the peak of our game which still stands in his absence.
Pep’s class and his right to be considered one of the best is not in doubt, his inclusion into a list designed to highlight the best managers of 2011-2012 season however, does deserve to be under scrutiny. During the 2011-12 La Liga season the mighty Barcelona where finally caught by Los Blancos with the juggernaut Jose Mourinho at the helm.
2011-12 was not a trophy-less season for the Catalans with Pep picking up the showpiece World Club Championship and the Copa Del Rey before departing the club he served so well. While the Copa Del Rey is not to be sniffed at, would an FA Cup winning manager be considered the best manager in Europe? If so I think Harry Redknapp might request a re-count for the 2007-08 Ballon D’or coach of the year award. Also, while winning the World Club does allow Barcelona to call themselves the best club in the world, this tournament is more of an inconvenience for Europe’s elite who already know they are better than teams from the other corners of the planet.
The following are 3 managers that it was criminal to replace with Pep Guardiola when you compare their seasons.
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