Pep Guardiola made a much-anticipated return to Italy for an interview on the iconic TV program Che Tempo Che Fa, hosted by Fabio Fazio on 'Nove', a show with a solid following. The Manchester City manager shared the stage remotely with his longtime friend and former teammate, Roberto Baggio, with whom he played during their time at Brescia. During the interview, Guardiola touched on a range of topics, including Lionel Messi, the Champions League, and his unwavering connection to Barcelona, offering some insightful reflections.

Passion for Football and Career Reflections

Guardiola started by talking about his current state of mind and his passion for the game: "I'm doing well, though sometimes I feel a little tired, as we all do in our jobs. But I still love football very much," he admitted. Reflecting on his career, he said, "I was lucky with Barcelona, the team of my heart. But I’ve had the privilege of managing three great clubs during my career."

The Influence of Johan Cruyff

A significant part of Guardiola's football philosophy was shaped by the legendary Johan Cruyff, a key figure in his life and career. "I can't imagine what my life and career would have been like without Cruyff," Guardiola confessed. "He taught me so much tactically, but more importantly, he shaped me from a human perspective. He was a genius, unique. He made me fall in love with football," he added with great admiration.

Managing Messi: A Unique Experience

When asked about managing Lionel Messi during their time together at Barcelona, Guardiola expressed his awe. "You have to get to know him," he explained. "For me, it's easy to say he's the greatest player of all time, but the stars aligned during that period. The strongest ever? Maybe it’s disrespectful to Pelé or Maradona, but for me, yes. I’ve never seen anyone like him. You can't imagine someone maintaining that level of performance for 15-20 years. Seeing him up close makes you think of Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan. We were lucky to be their contemporaries," Guardiola remarked. He even compared that Barcelona team to the beauty in Sorrentino's film The Great Beauty, saying it was a fitting title for the squad's brilliance.

Connection to Barcelona

Though Guardiola hasn't made any decisions about his long-term future, he was direct when asked which team he would prefer to avoid in the Champions League: "Good question. Barcelona, maybe. The affection I have for them destroys me. I was born in a small village nearby, and facing them is never easy."

Guardiola's deep connection with Barcelona remains palpable, even after years of managing some of the biggest clubs in Europe. His reflections during the interview underscored not only his immense love for football but also the personal and professional bonds that continue to shape his journey.