"When you have the strongest team in the world, Pep will make them play the best football in the world. With him, you can have both," Begiristain said in an interview with the club's in-house media channel on 10/9. "With others, you might have the strongest team, but they won't play the best football."
Begiristain and Guardiola have a long history of success together. As players at Barcelona from 1990 to 1995, they won a Champions League title and 4 consecutive La Liga titles. Later, as director of football and manager, their partnership at Barcelona (2008-2010) and Manchester City (2016-2025) yielded two Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, six Premier League titles, and two trebles.
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Begiristain holds the 2023 Champions League trophy with Guardiola (right) after the 1-0 victory over Inter. Photo: Man City |
Begiristain holds the 2023 Champions League trophy with Guardiola (right) after the 1-0 victory over Inter. Photo: Man City
Guardiola's emphasis on attractive football has defined his managerial career. At Barcelona, his tiki-taka tactics became a global model, influencing Spain's World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 triumphs. At Manchester City, he transformed English football, leading the team to a record 100 points, a treble, and 4 consecutive Premier League titles.
Begiristain always saw Guardiola as the leader in their working relationship, positioning himself as a facilitator in building the team. "You have to understand your role and Pep’s key role," Begiristain added. "You just need to help him stay calm and feel that, within the club structure, you have the ability to help him build the strongest team in the world."
Last season, Manchester City struggled, falling short in the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup. During the summer transfer window, Guardiola moved on veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ederson, and Ilkay Gundogan, while bringing in Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, James Trafford, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, this transition is still ongoing. Manchester City lost two of their first three Premier League matches of the 2025-2026 season against Tottenham and Brighton.
Drawing on his experience at Barcelona in 2008 and Manchester City in 2016, Begiristain supports this period of change. "The hardest part is rebuilding a declining team," he explained. "There are players who help you win and are still useful for a while, but won’t be useful in the future. That’s when you have to make very difficult decisions."
Thanh Quy (according to Marca)
