The Pep Guardiola Influence

How Pep’s former player and former #2 are taking his tactics by storm

Introduction

Pep Guardiola has always seemed to be as one of the most highly regarded managers in the world ever since he took over Barcelona in 2008. The offensive movements among his team have always been remarkable with creative solutions when solving the problems posed by various defenses. Now we see his former player, Xavi Hernandez, and former number 2, Mikel Arteta, take lead roles in top leagues around the world. Xavi is, of course, at Barcelona while Arteta is leading Arsenal.

The principles among these teams are so similar they can’t be ignored. The fact that there are three teams at the top level sharing similar principles, setting up in a similar shape, and all have managers who have worked together in the past means there is very much we can learn from each of them. The most important thing when looking at their tactical models is always asking ourselves why and understanding the intent on why they do certain things.

Below shows a brief Venn Diagram I made showing the similarities and differences between the teams. Please take into consideration that these are based on trends and situationally they may all show very clear concepts not included within their bubble.

Here are the three teams we are analyzing and all having the very similar principles, but showing they carry their principles out through different means. Each team uses a possession as a tool to control the game and affect all four phases of the match, but we will look at how each team on a macro level has large similarities, but also has their own creative differences. One of the biggest ways these three can use the same concept in different is through the third man movement, which we will get into later on.