Back in 2008, Barcelona bet on a 37-year-old coach who had never led any team other than B.
Guardiola quickly proved that he would innovate football and raise the level of football to a level we have never seen before.
The manager's debut loss to Numancia was cast into doubt, but by the end of his first season in charge he had already won a historic treble.
14 years on, Guardiola has won league titles in nine of his 12 full seasons in charge, and he will continue to win titles this season.
But those numbers only say so much, and the way these achievements have been achieved has made him truly one of the greatest coaches.
His barcelona team won the Champions League in 2011, arguably the greatest final performance.
The Catalan has rewritten England's record and his 2017/18 side remains the only team in the Premier League to score 100 points.
In Germany, despite failing to win the Champions League, his Bayern Munich squad is known for playing the highest level of football ever in the Bundesliga.
Of course, there are also questions about whether his style of possession can play a role in England.
After a bland season, those who questioned were punched in the face because his Manchester City often won games with ease.
Guardiola's efforts are now inspiring the next generation, with former player Xavi at the helm of camp Nou.
The 51-year-old is seen as a modern style of Johan Cruyff, who himself was one of the pioneers of Total Football in the Netherlands in the 1970s.
After Guardiola's debut at Barcelona, Cruyff defended him, insisting that Guardiola football was too good and how right he was.
These methods include the goalkeeper we rarely see with the ball, the full-back entering the box to create chaos, all led by the Manchester City manager.
For now, his latest genius solution is to mock the idea that a striker is needed to win football matches and trophies.
During his career, he met many big-name players in the coaching staff and received unanimous praise from them.
Sir Alex Ferguson:
In the past three seasons, the Scots have twice encountered Guardiola's conquering Barca.
Every narrative is the same – they can't get close to them.
Ferguson retired in 2013, which means we don't have a chance to play a domestic showdown with Guardiola.
Still, the former Manchester United manager knew what City would get when he hired the Catalans more than five years ago.
"He has good coaching skills, there's no doubt about that," he said.
'Manchester City have had a huge success in getting him because he's an outstanding coach.
When Guardiola left Barca in 2013, Ferguson tried to persuade Guardiola to join Manchester United, but the 51-year-old has already chosen to take over Bayern's job.
Wenger:
The Frenchman first came into contact with Guardiola in 2010 in the Champions League.
Arsenal drew 2-2 in north London and lost 4-1 in Spain. Guardiola defeated him again a year later.
Catalan Bayern have also faced Arsenal four times, winning twice.
In Wenger's final season, he and Guardiola faced each other three times, and catalonia won 9-1 on aggregate.
"As a coach, I personally have a lot of respect for him and I think he has an extraordinary career," the former Arsenal boss said.
Back in 2011, the Dutchman said of Guardiola in Barcelona: "He's done a great job, step by step, doing things the way he thinks he should do it. He pays attention to every detail and always tries to make each player reach their full potential.
"I'm lucky to have a coach like Guardiola.
"It's not just about winning a game, it's something else. This is the place I am most proud of. ”
