A legend of Italian football has jokingly accused of 'ruining' the game and his career. Luca Toni, the fourth-highest scoring Italian player of all time, met up with Guardiola and former international team-mate Roberto Baggio at a restaurant in Lombardi.
All three former players are united by their shared connection to Brescia, having each played for the club at some point during their careers. While having dinner, Toni joked that Guardiola's revolutionary tactics stopped him from finding a club before his retirement.
The legendary Spaniard was known for using a false nine rather than a traditional striker during his time in charge of Barcelona. Toni fell into the latter category and suggested that Guardiola's tactics being widely adopted had a negative impact on his career.
"Pep, you ruined football," said Toni while Guardiola laughed in the background. "With the false nine, I couldn't find a team for four years. Seriously. Can you say that you only used the false nine with [Lionel] Messi? Do you even like centre-forwards?"
Responding in Italian, Guardiola said: "I have it. [Erling] Haaland, 60 goals. We won the treble with that striker, but the centre-forwards must be good! Understand?" Toni concluded: "Okay, but stop it with false nine now. Big centre-forwards are better."
Guardiola is widely credited with inventing the false nine, a role which sees the striker drop deeper to receive passes and exploit the space between opposing midfielders and defenders.
Messi excelled in this role at Barcelona, with Guardiola introducing it before a blockbuster meeting with Real Madrid. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner previously revealed that he was surprised by the tactic until he saw how devastating it was.
"I remember that it was a surprise for me because I was called up the day before the game," Messi told back in 2020. "I was made to go to Guardiola's office at the Ciutat Esportiva and I was told that he had been watching Madrid's games a lot.
"He had been talking with Tito Vilanova and they had thought about me playing as a false nine. He was going to put Samuel [Eto'o] and Thierry Henry on the outside and I was going to play as the false centre-forward.
"I wasn't going to stay there, but rather come out and join up with the central midfield. The idea was that Madrid's centre-backs would follow me out, and the two fast wingers that we had would go around the back. In fact, one of Henry's goals was like that.
"It was a surprise for us and for Madrid. I remember that we had a lot of possession and we always had an extra man in the middle of the park."
You may also like
Christmas selection box fury as Cadbury 'makes bold Double Decker decision'
This is the time of day when cravings hit us the hardest
Had no hard proof: Canadian PM Trudeau on linking India to Nijjar murder
Why is Debbie Dingle not returning to Emmerdale amid Zak's funeral and who is coming back?
Haryana farmers express gratitude after govt hikes MSP on Rabi crops
Nithya Menen On Equation With Dhanush: We're Opposite Personalities, But Professionally...
Bigg Boss 18: Shrutika Arjun Breaks Down In Tears Due To Lack Of Food, Says, 'Teen Din Se Potty Bhi Nahi Aaya..'
Prince William dazzles in velvet suit as he attends the Centrepoint Awards
Career Horoscope Today: Astrological Predictions on October 17, 2024, For All Zodiac Signs
Paul Pogba nearly quit football at 31 as ex-Man Utd star opens up on drugs ban 'hell'
Health Horoscope Today: Astrological Predictions on October 17, 2024, For All Zodiac Signs
Why is the color of human blood red?
Bigg Boss 18: Avinash Mishra Goes Against Housemates
Joe Biden, Barrack Obama's Interaction At Ethel Kennedy's Funeral Viral: 'Scolding Him'
GoM on GST compensation cess holds first meeting: No new levies until future is decided
Doctor says adding one ingredient to tea makes cold symptoms 'go away faster'
Love Horoscope Today: Astrological Predictions on October 17, 2024, For All Zodiac Signs
What Is 'Water Trick' For Weight Loss? Nutritionist Shares Hack To Lose Kilos
5 smart tips to become a coffee expert
Reason why Thomas Tuchel's number two quit Wrexham after only one training session