Pep Guardiola turns 50 today and Antonio Filippini explains how the Manchester City coach led by example alongside Roberto Baggio when they were playing for Brescia.
Filippini shared the dressing room with the Spaniard at the beginning of the 2000s and spoke to Sky Sport on the day of Guardiola’s birthday.
“Pep had three fundamental characteristics. First of all, he always wanted to create one-twos, also as a footballer,” the former midfielder said.
Pep Guardiola turns 50 today and Antonio Filippini explains how the Manchester City coach led by example alongside Roberto Baggio when they were playing for Brescia.
Filippini shared the dressing room with the Spaniard at the beginning of the 2000s and spoke to Sky Sport on the day of Guardiola’s birthday.
“Pep had three fundamental characteristics. First of all, he always wanted to create one-twos, also as a footballer,” the former midfielder said.
“He did the same when he became the Barcelona coach. He was also very persuasive. People loved him, he was very likeable,” Filippini continued.
“Last but not least, he led by example. He was the first one to arrive at the pitch with Baggio. And they were the last ones to leave. Guardiola was already a visionary."
The Manchester City coach featured in 28 Serie A games during his playing career, 25 with Brescia and six with Roma.
“I could predict he would become a coach, especially for his character,” Filippini added.
“He wasn’t arrogant, but had plenty of personality instead. He was such a reference point for us in the dressing room.
“He was so determined he always wanted to win games, also those in trainings. He’s done all that as a coach as well.
“There are many winning tacticians, José Mourinho, Marcello Lippi, Fabio Capello, for example, but Pep is different.
“He created a new football. Just like Arrigo Sacchi, he has revolutionised the game."