Chelsea star Marcos Alonso earns Premier League respect

 

By David Lee Wheatley (@davewh1980)

 

Marcos Alonso was dismissed by some observers as a journeyman incapable of improving big-spending Chelsea, but he has spectacularly confounded his critics this season.

Alonso’s stunning showings for the Blues since a reported £23 million move back to the Premier League may have come as a surprise to many, but not to followers of previous clubs Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland and Fiorentina.

The exorbitant fee involved – within this vulgar period of outlandish sums being thrown around for even the most average of footballers – was viewed as a feat of wild opportunism on the part of La Viola.

However, those appraisals were surely concluded without looking deeper at the impact made by the player during time spent with his former employers.

Alonso made his way through the ranks at star-studded Real Madrid to post a solitary first-team appearance as a late substitute at Racing Santander in April 2010.

He was allowed to leave the Bernabeu that summer despite undoubted promise and subsequently embarked upon a journey to north-west England – not along the usual route to one of the big guns based within that region, but on the less-trodden path to Bolton.

Burden of expectation as he tried to emulate his footballing father and granddad perhaps put undue pressure on the young man’s shoulders, especially as both relatives in question featured on the highest stage domestically and were capped internationally.

His recovery from that setback was a slow-burner, as he played a bit-part throughout two Premier League campaigns which eventually led to relegation. He later found form at Championship level, where the Trotters missed out on a play-off spot by a whisker and Alonso claimed a worthy Player of the Year accolade.

Wanderers offered a new contract, but he opted for an intriguing switch to Serie A with Fiorentina instead. Again, scant progress was made, as he struggled to hold down a regular slot in the team aside from the odd European run-out. As a result, he returned to England quicker than expected by way of a short-term loan with Premier League side Sunderland a few months later.

Alonso’s influence on the top-flight strugglers was instant, with his boundless energy and marauding runs along the left flank improving Gus Poyet’s side both defensively and in attack.

His displays were a revelation, as the Black Cats reached Wembley for a cherished League Cup final appearance and came back from the dead to stave off the dreaded drop.

He swiftly became a fans’ favourite, and it was evident that both the club’s adoring support and then-boss Poyet wanted to complete a permanent deal for the likeable Spaniard.

Drawn-out talks took place between Sunderland and their Italian counterparts, who were said to be holding out for £5 million, but an agreement could not be reached. The rest, as they say, is history.

Alonso returned to Italy unsure of his future, but revelled in a similar advanced position to the one he currently occupies for Chelsea, as La Viola reached the Europa League and Coppa Italia semi-finals in his first term back in purple.

After two barnstorming years, the Gigliati were reluctant to sell, hence the transfer-fee inflation rate. But, the Madrid-born star represented the exact prototype required to click seamlessly into Antonio Conte’s tactical framework and they simply had to snare his services, regardless of cost.    

Now a key factor in an expansive 3-4-3 formation, which has helped the west Londoners to the top of the league, Alonso looks every inch the top-class player that those who saw him at close quarters in the past believed he could become.

Four goals, two assists and 18 chances created from 20 outings thus far offer a clear indication of his attacking prowess, whilst he has made an average of 1.7 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game when undertaking defensive duties.

Those who scoffed at Chelsea’s pursuit of a man who has since become a starting line-up fixture have fallen strangely silent, now that everyone has finally woken up to the assured 26-year-old’s true quality.

Entering into the prime of his career, an international cap to proudly place alongside his dad and grandfather’s cherished honours shouldn’t be too far away.

 



Xavi: The International Years

By David Lee Wheatley

Xavi, the master craftsman of the Barcelona midfield, announced earlier this week that his time had arrived to bow out at international level. Having won everything available with both club and country, I take a look back at the huge impact made by one of the finest footballers of his time on the astounding successes achieved by the Spanish national team within his 14 years of loyal national duty.

Making his senior international debut for Spain in 2000, the same year he helped the under-23 side win Olympic silver in Sydney, Xavi went on to amass an incredible 133 caps up to and including the 2014 World Cup. Though he and his team-mates suffered terribly in Brazil when being dumped out of the tournament at the group stage, it certainly cannot be allowed to tarnish the immense legacy left by the Barca star on his nation's footballing history.

Having featured at the ultimately disappointing 2002 and 2006 editions of the World Cup finals, as well as Euro 2004, Xavi and his peers were under great pressure to deliver thanks to the feverish clamour from the Spanish public to see an end to their agonising wait for major honours. The closest they'd come to global glory was placing fourth at the 1950 World Cup, despite possessing a plethora of top-class players over the course of many years since. Meanwhile, they'd last claimed victory in continental competition when hosting the 1964 championships.

In 2008, eternally optimistic Spain fans believed they finally had a crop of outstanding individuals capable of evolving into winning team. Their faith wasn't misplaced for once, with a vibrant squad led by hugely experienced coach Luis Aragones sweeping all before them on their march towards the final.

A slightly weak group comprising of Russia, Sweden and Greece were no match for the Spaniards, while a tight quarter-final clash saw La Roja advance on penalties against fierce rivals Italy.

Surprisingly, Russia made it all the way to the last four and in doing so booked a return match with Spain in the semi-finals. Yet again, Aragones' men proved too strong for their Eastern European opponents when trouncing them 3-0. Xavi was instrumental in the downfall of a Guus Hiddink-inspired Russian side, including grabbing the opening goal of the game after 50 minutes.

The final in Vienna was another close encounter against Germany and it was won by a solitary strike from Fernando Torres just beyond the half-hour mark. Spain were 'Kings of Europe' for the second time and deservedly so; cool, calm and collected midfield lynchpin Xavi taking away the 'Player of the Tournament' award in recognition of his sublime performances.

Everyone already knew about Xavi's supreme passing accuracy, vision, movement and unerring ability to locate space which mere mortals simply wouldn't spot. Post-Euro 2008 though, the La Masia academy graduate was being hailed by many observers as the greatest midfielder on the planet. His instinctive understanding of the possession game practised by both FC Barcelona and Spain allowed him to dictate the pattern of play to such an extreme level that nobody on the opposition team could even hope to put a halt on whatever Xavi intended to happen. He literally never gave the ball away and every single pass seemed choreographed due to the Barcelona star being one step ahead mentally at all times.

Spain entered the 2010 World Cup as firm favourites for the title, even if such an outcome required a European team to lift the trophy away from their own continent for the first-ever occasion in tournament history. South Africa was the venue, but there was a growing sense of Spain's entitlement to the Holy Grail of a World Cup triumph, albeit on foreign soil.

Again, Xavi played a pivotal role in Spain's continued prosperity with new man Vicente Del Bosque now at the helm. Overcoming a shock 0-1 reverse at the hands of Switzerland in the first group game, the Spanish banished all doubts about their overall superiority in the 32-team competition by beating Honduras and Chile in order to safely make the round of 16.

Portugal provided a tough, hard-fought encounter for Spain in the knock-out phase and pushed the European champions to the very limit. Despite seeing a large majority of the ball, it took until the 63rd minute for David Villa to latch on to a Xavi backheel before making the breakthrough and deflating Portuguese hopes in the process.

Villa was on the scoresheet once more to settle another one-sided affair against Paraguay at the quarter-final stage, with the South Americans holding out until seven minutes from the end. Del Bosque's men wore them down with their relentless possession play until they finally caved into the inevitability of the situation.

In a repeat of the Euro 2008 final, the German powerhouse clashed with Spanish artistry in Durban. Xavi turned out to be key to the result when sending over a fine cross for club-mate Puyol to head home the winner.

The final through up a meeting in Johannesburg with Holland, which was expected to provide a feast for viewers relating to the traditional footballing styles of both nations. Unfortunately, the Dutch threw the usual play-book out of the window when deciding to kick and foul their way through the game, thus creating a terrible spectacle for those watching on. Eventually, the persistence of the Spanish told late into extra-time when Iniesta fired home to seal victory in spite of the roughhouse tactics employed by Bert van Marwijk.

To most, it was a triumph for beautiful football due to the strange tactical plan put in place by the Netherlands. Spain, the disciples of 'Tiki-Taka', had managed to withstand a furious physical assault from the Oranje, thus enhancing their own reputation while being intimately linked to the day when the often classy Dutch temporarily forgot all about their long-held 'Total Football' principles.

With an overall passing accuracy of 91%, the tremendous Xavi proved his worth once again when driving the side towards their ambitious goal of world domination from the middle of the park. Additionally, the wonderful inter-play and innate understanding between the Barcelona-based trio Xavi, Iniesta and David Villa had been central to each and every victory along the way.

So, it was on to Euro 2012 and a chance to defend a major trophy in an event co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Spain stuttered to a 1-1 draw with old foes Italy in their opening fixture, but soon slipped into top gear when dismissing the Republic of Ireland 4-0 and Croatia by the only goal of the game. Amazingly, the combined passes made by Xavi and Iniesta totalled more than the entire Irish XI when taking them apart in the second group match.

The holders saw off France with ease to reach the semi-finals, where they were drawn with Portugal. It took a penalty shoot-out to settle matters, which went in the favour of Spain by 4-2 following a dour 0-0 draw after extra-time had been played. Over in the other semi, Italy knocked Germany out to recreate the billing for the Group C opening match featured at the beginning of the European Championships which ended all-square.

This time, however, Spain were a different animal altogether and two assists from Xavi helped the team to record a resounding 4-0 win to defend the trophy in great style. With that result, Xavi inked his name in Spanish football folklore as the most successful player in the history of the national side and therefore cemented his status as one of the very best players to pull on the famous red jersey.

True, the World Cup earlier this summer saw a waning Xavi claim only one more cap to make his final tally up to 133, second only to Real Madrid 'keeper Iker Casillas who sits on a highly commendable 156 caps for his country. Spain lost to a rejuvenated Holland and exciting Chile side, before regaining a modicum of respectability by putting Australia to the sword. However, it was too late by the time they tasted victory in Brazil and they returned home without the golden trophy they travelled across the seas to defend.

It came as no great shock to hear of 34-year-old Xavi's decision to step down from national team duty, while many either have or will follow his lead in announcing their retirement from the international stage. The fantastic generation that brought immense joy and happiness to millions of Spanish supporters have all-but ran out of steam; now they're ready to stand aside and allow the next wave of talent to emerge.

As for Xavi, he will continue running the show at Camp Nou for at least another season under the tutelage of new head coach Luis Enrique, safe in the knowledge that his lasting impact on the sport shall never be forgotten.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Transition time for European heavyweights

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley

 

 

Three of the biggest names in European football must go back to the drawing board following a massively disappointing showing at the World Cup from the trio of Spain, Italy and England, but what procedures can they install in an attempt to avoid a repeat of this summer’s failures at the next major international tournament taking place in 2016?

Spain’s stumbles in Brazil created the strongest reverberations around the world when the defending champions crashed spectacularly at the hands of Holland in their opening group game. That 5-1 loss effectively signalled the end of an era for a side that had dominated international football since 2008 and conjured serious doubts around the Mediterranean nation’s ability to regain their place at the top of the pile again in the foreseeable future.

Departing greats such as David Villa, Xavi and Iker Casillas all appeared to be way past their best, while long-term inspirational leader Carles Puyol didn’t even make the squad due to injury and will retire from all football this summer. The error-strewn displays of Real Madrid goalkeeping legend Casillas were particularly shocking and contributed heavily to the downfall of Vicente Del Bosque’s men.

Italy, meanwhile, started brightly with an impressive 2-1 victory over England in their first fixture, but faded badly afterwards when losing to both Costa Rica and Uruguay without recording a goal. Their third-place finish in Group D caused the emotional resignation of head coach Cesare Prandelli and indeed the mourning of a nation at the death of their World Cup dreams.

Again, older stars within the Azzurri ranks looked jaded and could not inspire their younger colleagues to glory. Gianluigi Buffon, so long a talisman for the Italians between the sticks, missed the win over England in the opening game due to injury, but returned in place of Salvatore Sirigu to preside over two defeats to teams they were initially expected to beat in order to progress.

The usually outstanding Andrea Pirlo was peerless in Manaus against the English, yet largely struggled to replicate that form thereafter. He may have signed another contract at Juventus, but the ‘Player of the Tournament’ at Euro 2012 didn’t cope well with the conditions over in South America and it seems unlikely that it’ll be possible to rely on the talented playmaker two years from now.

Another whose status at the highest level must be cast into doubt is rehabilitated ‘enfant terrible’ Antonio Cassano, who looked out of his depth when utilised by Prandelli at the World Cup. Italy were toothless going forward when in opposition to the rough-house tactics of Uruguay and the well organised counter-attacking style of surprise package Costa Rica, so will need to find a reliable goalscorer to take the burden off the mercurial Mario Balotelli. Furthermore, highly-rated holding midfielder Daniele De Rossi also failed to convince and must up his game considerably if he wishes to stake a claim for a spot at Euro 2016.

Roy Hodgson gave way to public pressure when choosing a youthful and vibrant squad seemingly full of promise, but which ultimately failed to deliver. A large proportion of England’s problems differ to both Spain and Italy in that they’ve already embarked upon the process of renewing an ageing team, which is a task that still looms large for the other two nations.

Wise old head coach Hodgson must hope several of his newest charges blossom into top-level operators, with at least one or two developing world-class pedigrees. The only footballers within the 23-man World Cup outfit selected by Hodgson who were performing at that exalted level previously were Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard; the first one careered backwards hugely since his international zenith at Euro 2004 and the other two now at an age when their best days are truly behind them. That so-called ‘golden generation’ whom travelled to the World Cup of 2002 didn’t come close to realising the lofty expectations placed upon them and have since broken up to leave behind a relatively naïve bunch of players who need to learn quickly.

The English require an identity; Italy always look to field a tight, organised defence and use their penchant for counter-attacking to take a lead which they can then defend, Spain their possession play, pressing and two-touch passing. Hodgson must forge ahead with his favoured strategy and select players who fit nicely into that framework.

England’s displays against Uruguay and especially Italy were generally well received by fans and the media alike, but individual mistakes proved costly in both ties and saw them bow out of proceedings meekly after a meagre two matches. It was a chastening experience for the squad, but one which will hopefully toughen them up for the significant challenges ahead.

Spain probably have the greatest chance of bouncing back swiftly on the face of it, given they have all the necessary processes in place which helped them to already achieve so much from that breakthrough triumph at Euro 2008 onwards. Their academies regularly produce footballers of the highest quality and undoubtedly will continue to do so.

It is the start of a turbulent transitional phase for the Spanish and the time is right for a change of leadership, so elder statesman Del Bosque must step aside to allow another man to take the team forward. However, the basic principles of his reign must be carried through in terms of style and tactics and then built upon for the overall set-up to flourish over the next few years. Pep Guardiola would be the ideal solution, but he remains committed to Bayern Munich and therefore La Roja’s search for a fresh custodian will go on for sometime yet.

Cesare Prandelli’s decision to leave his post and seek pastures new in Turkey with Galatasaray causes a void that will be difficult to fill with an adequate replacement. The man who left Istanbul to create the vacancy at Gala, Roberto Mancini, is the bookies’ favourite and certainly possesses the silverware in his locker to suggest he’s ready for the call having won both the English Premier League and Serie A titles during his time in club management. However, he is a divisive figure who doesn’t always see eye-to-eye with his players, including a certain Signor Balotelli during their time together at Manchester City.

Alternative candidates Francesco Guidolin and Massimiliano Allegri don’t exactly inspire great excitement, as the former is mainly used to guiding unfashionable clubs to higher heights than expected - but still not winning anything of note - and the latter was unceremoniously sacked by Milan last winter with the San Siro giants struggling in lower mid-table.

A bold choice of manager by the Italian FA would be advisable, whilst the over-reliance on master craftsman Pirlo must cease in order for the team to improve sufficiently. The likes of Balotelli, Verratti, Immobile and Insigne have the opportunity to take on the mantle from more established stars and thus drag the Azzurri back to the pinnacle of world football once again. That crop of talent hold the tools to become successful and now they have to use them effectively; whether there are more like them waiting in the wings to beef up Italy’s options remains to be seen.

Back with England, the consensus appears to be to allow Hodgson a chance to continue the work he began in rejuvenating the side, while looking towards Euro 2016 in France as the potential tournament when that spadework will begin reaping rewards.

There is a fair degree of uncertainty surrounding the Three Lions’ future simply because nobody can accurately predict how well this group of emerging players will develop, both individually and collectively. However, Hodgson has put his faith in those youngsters to bring smiles to English faces and he must stick wholeheartedly by that philosophy; two vital ingredients that would assist markedly would be the unearthing of a commanding central defender and also a striker who doesn’t require five clear-cut chances to score a goal.

 

Should they seek out and locate players of that ilk, while further enhancing the skills of those already harnessed within the squad, then England could confidently believe that a happier period lies just ahead of them.

 



Twitter: @davewh1980

Puyol calls time on career

By David Lee Wheatley

Inspirational Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has decided to leave the club at the end of this season, much earlier than expected after serious injury ruined his campaign.

The 35-year-old has been troubled by numerous knee problems recently, causing him to miss Euro 2012 for his country, while also limiting the defender to just 12 appearances for Barça so far during 2013-14.

Puyol had hoped to make another triumphant comeback for club and country as he'd done following previous injuries, but it wasn't to be. After nineteen hugely successful years in association with FC Barcelona, the defensive lynchpin has been forced into the decision to rescind the final two seasons on his current deal in order to avoid punishing his body any further.

Three years with Barcelona's 'C' and 'B' teams taught a young Puyol his trade prior to a surprise debut for the Blaugrana in October 1999, when pressed into action as a second-half substitute by Louis van Gaal away at Valladolid. He never looked back, cementing the right-back slot with a total of 37 appearances that season.

It took Puyol five long years ensconced within the first-team before a first major title arrived, but in 2004-05 he played an instrumental role as captain of Frank Rijkaard's side as they sealed the domestic league championship. A year on, he lifted the Champions' League trophy in Paris, as the Catalan giants saw off the challenge of Arsenal in the final.

At international level, the versatile Puyol assisted Spain in their successful quest to reach the pinnacle of global football when winning both Euro 2008 and, most impressively, the World Cup on the African continent in 2010. Playing regularly in the heart of defence by that stage for both Barcelona and Spain, Puyol was the rock upon which both teams built their astonishing run of success.

Back at Barça, the highly respected Catalonia native eventually led his club to a total of six La Liga titles, three Champions' League wins and two victories each in the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA World Club Cup and the Copa del Rey, throughout a period largely dominated by the 'tiki-taka' pass-and-move style of play encouraged by Pep Guardiola before he took a sabbatical from the game.

This time around, it's a three-way battle at the top of the Spanish league for honours between Barcelona and the two big Madrid clubs, while the Blaugrana still appear to possess a fantastic opportunity to secure another Champions' League triumph following their precise dissection of Manchester City in the first leg of their last-16 clash. If all goes well, Puyol could yet be signing off with another two trophies to his name come the end of a glittering career with his beloved Barça.

Whatever does occur between now and the season's end, the La Pobla de Segur-born star will go down in the history as one of the club's greatest servants. Tough, uncompromising and above all a winner, Puyol has made the most of his ability in leading Barcelona through an era to cherish and savour. He will be sorely missed around Camp Nou when he goes.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Barca-Real: Who'll prevail as La Liga returns?

By David Lee Wheatley

The beginning of an exciting La Liga campaign is set to get underway this weekend with the ‘Big Two’ of Barcelona and Real Madrid again the only likely candidates for the title. There’s two new names installed as head coach at each respective club and a number of interesting additions to both squads; particularly in Madrid. It promises to be a very interesting season ahead as the two titans of Spanish football clash over domestic supremacy.

Barcelona were taken aback somewhat by the news that championship-winning coach Tito Vilanova was to step down from his role this summer due to ongoing treatment for throat cancer. It was a shock to the system for the Barca hierarchy, but they acted swiftly to replace him with respected South American Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.

Martino has developed a fine pedigree on his native continent, with success in both the Paraguayan and Argentine leagues complimented by a decent stint in charge of the Paraguay national side. Though not well-known or well-versed in European football, the Argentinean knows his profession and openly encourages the fluid style of play demonstrated by Barcelona in recent years under Pep Guardiola and Vilanova himself.

A major signing of the transfer window in Catalonia so far involves Brazilian superstar Neymar, touted by many to be potentially even greater than the legendary Pele. The forward cost a mind-blowing £49million from Santos and expectations are high at Camp Nou that he can be the catalyst for not only a retention of the league trophy, but also a return to the European pinnacle.

Keeping hold of Cesc Fabregas in the face of strong interest from Manchester United allows Martino options and flexibility, with the former Arsenal man capable of slotting into midfield or a forward role if required. World-class talent including Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta still remain to pull the strings, but it’s at the back where Barca look vulnerable.

Revered centre-back Carles Puyol has serious doubts over his long-term fitness hanging over him due to ongoing knee problems, while Barcelona have a tendency to rely on midfielders such as Javier Mascherano and Alex Song to fill in defensively. There’s been speculation about a Barcelona bid for Chelsea’s David Luiz, but the west London side seem determined to at least drive a hard bargain over the sale of the 26-year-old. A lack of depth and quality in the centre-back positions must be addressed sooner rather than later.

However, Martino has such an array of attacking talent to call upon that most Spanish teams will struggle to cope with the Blaugrana in full flow and that might well be enough to see off the majority of opposition sides, but the panic-level will rise substantially when it comes to clashes against arch-rivals Real, Valencia, Atletico Madrid et al.

Meanwhile over in the Spanish capital, Los Blancos set about the mounting of a concerted challenge to Barcelona’s dominance domestically by firstly appointing top-class coach Carlo Ancelotti, fresh from leading Paris Saint-Germain to French title glory, in place of the departed Jose Mourinho and then proceeding to recruit a plethora of young guns in the shape of Malaga attacking midfielder Isco, Real Sociedad’s orchestrator Asier Illarramendi, skilful Brazilian Casemiro (following a loan spell from parent club Sao Paulo) and returning right-back Dani Carvajal after only one season away from the Bernabeu with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

It all represents a very different direction to the days of the Galacticos, when players firmly established in the world of football would pitch up for exorbitant fees with little or no sell-on value after their time with Real came to an end. Now, Ancelotti’s arrival appears to herald a new approach with a focus on younger talent to spruce up an already strong squad.

21-year-old Casemiro has caught the eye consistently during pre-season and looks an absolutely fine prospect. If, as expected, the club manage to hold on to prize asset Cristiano Ronaldo they could boast the most promising side in La Liga with an eye on the future. But, for the present time, it’s a case of wait-and-see before judging this current crop of youthful Real superstars.

Links continue in connection with lung-busting running man Gareth Bale, but talks are said to be stalling due to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy’s insistence on a world-record £100m fee. Widespread media reports suggest the best offer the Spanish giants are willing to put forward is around the £85m mark, which seemingly isn’t tempting enough for Spurs somewhat surprisingly.

Even so, Ancelotti has proved himself beyond doubt during hugely successful spells in charge of Milan, Chelsea and PSG and possesses all the ingredients within the squad to make serious waves in La Liga and the Champions League during the forthcoming season. Granted, they don’t have Messi, but they do have Ronaldo and a set of extremely gifted attack-minded footballers to call upon. Most importantly when in comparison with Barca, they have a stronger back-line with stars Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Pepe vying for the central roles, while Carvajal adds much greater competition at right full-back alongside the experienced Alvaro Arbeloa.

Where they may have a slight problem is at left-back should Portuguese Fabio Coentrao go through with his frequently stated desire to leave, leaving Marcelo as the only senior player fully comfortable in that position. However, if they do fall short due to injury or suspension, they can perhaps ask Pepe to step in or switch to a formation in which Di Maria or another winger takes on the job of wing-back. And, of course, the transfer window doesn’t close until early September, thus allowing them time to bring in a replacement if Coentrao bids farewell to Madrid this summer.

Though the new campaign kicks-off in earnest on Saturday, most eyes will be fixed on the return to league action of Real and Barca on Sunday evening. Both sides begin at home, as Barcelona go up against Levante and Real Madrid face a tricky tie with Betis, who played their way into an impressive seventh spot last season.

It’s going to be one heck of a battle and it certainly appears both potential champions are closely-matched; El Clasico ties will most likely have a massive bearing on the destination of the title, but my feeling is that we’ll be witnessing a return to the top for Real Madrid come May.

Twitter: @davewh1980
Facebook.com/DLWSports

Pep the player

By David Lee Wheatley

Pep Guardiola built his reputation in the coaching arena as ‘B’ team coach at Barcelona, before taking the reins to the senior side in 2008. Four glorious years later, the captain-turned-coach walked away due to the constant pressure he felt in charge of one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Guardiola jetted off with his family on a year-long sabbatical residing in Manhattan, New York City, while agreeing a return to the game around the turn of the year as Bayern Munich trainer; the contract between the parties began in June.

I take a look back at a playing career that laid the foundations for the success that was to follow for Guardiola the coach.

Replicating the path worn in facilitating his switch into team leadership, Josep Guardiola started out in the ‘B’ side of the Barcelona set-up as a first step into professional football after developing his skills throughout a youth career at the club’s famous La Masia academy from the age of 13. Following a year of mainly appearing for the ‘B’ team, he was elevated permanently to the first-team squad on the back of several impressive performances.

The defensive midfielder made a starting spot his own during the 1991-92 campaign when driving Barça on to the La Liga and European Cup double. Replacing experienced international Guillermo Amor in the centre of the park, the 20-year-old displayed style and poise way beyond his years and he was quickly recognised as a rising star.

Making an international debut in October 1992, Guardiola went on to appear 47 times for the Spanish national side. But for injuries, the elegant ball-playing midfield man would surely have achieved more caps for his country.

Meanwhile, back at club level, the starlet formed part of Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ that retained the league championship in 1993 and 1994, but got smashed 4-0 in the Champions League final that year by a force of nature in the shape of a resurgent Milan.

The situation went sour under the Dutch legend, with fourth and third place finishes in 1995 and 1996 pushing Cruyff towards the exit door. Revered English manager Bobby Robson took over the role and led a Guardiola-inspired Barça to trophy wins in the Copa Del Rey and European Cup Winners’ Cup in their only season together.

Foreign interest in the services of club captain Guardiola began, with Serie A giants Roma aggressively pursuing the player. Barcelona were reluctant to let their ‘son’ leave and negotiated a new contract with the technically-gifted midfielder until 2001.

Unfortunately, a calf injury ruined the 1997-98 campaign, as Guardiola missed out on the opportunity to impress new boss Louis Van Gaal. He made just six La Liga appearances, as his team-mates cemented the domestic league and cup double without their captain in tow. An operation meant he was forced to miss the World Cup of 1998, which was a huge blow to a player that achieved everything for his club and desperately wanted the top international football prize to add to the collection.

Despite returning to action the following season, Pep developed a problem with his ankle leading to further surgery in an effort to correct the issue. It was a crying shame that his body was failing him at an age when he should have been enjoying the prime of his footballing career.

Nearing the end of his contract, it was announced that Guardiola would be leaving for pastures new. Surprisingly, he chose much smaller club Brescia with which to experience his first taste of club football outside of Spain. Evens so, the prospect of teaming up with Italian legend Roberto Baggio seemed a mouth-watering prospect.

A remarkable turn of events were set off by a positive drug test for the banned substance Nandrolone after a league game against Piacenza in October 2001. Guardiola pleaded his innocence; those that knew him attested to it. However, the much-loved Catalan hero got slapped with a four-month ban from the game; six years later he was cleared of any wrongdoing, but to further extend the agony the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) re-opened the case in 2009 before they found him not guilty once again.

Following such a damaging career downturn, he elected to continue his Italian adventure by joining long-time suitors Roma in the Italian capital. He played only four times before resuming his Brescia career with another thirteen games in the blue-and-white colours of the northern Italian team.

Lucrative spells followed in Qatar with Al-Ahli and Mexican Primera Division side Sinaloa, fuelling Pep’s passion for travel and new challenges abroad, before he called time on his career in 2006.

The rapid movement between three different countries at the tail-end of his playing career goes a long way towards explaining his decision to accept the head coach position at German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich; another culture, language and lifestyle for a man that actively seeks out such challenges.

Treble-winning Godfather of Bayern Jupp Heynckes will be a tough act to follow, but if there’s a man that can succeed in such circumstances it is Guardiola, the King of Catalonia.

Twitter: @davewh1980
Facebook.com/DLWSports