Grievances and hatreds on the football field often stem from the joys and sorrows between players and teams. Once upon a time, Pep Guardiola was also the manager of Arsenal, leading this traditional club to the top. Today, he is Manchester City's head coach, and on the stage of the Champions League final, he met his former club Arsenal and staged a grudge drama.
Former Lord's Encounter
In 2008, Pep Guardiola began his coaching career at Arsenal. As manager, he led the Gunners to a number of European victories and won numerous honours for the team. However, the good times were short-lived, and due to some disagreements with the top, Guardiola finally left Arsenal in 2012 to start a new journey.
In this year's Champions League final, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City faced off against his former club, Arsenal. This is undoubtedly a contest between feelings and reason. For Pep Guardiola, it is undoubtedly a unique experience to be able to compete with his parent club on such a stage. For Arsenal, they will also be hoping to earn dignity in front of the former manager.
Kneel in celebration
The game was locked until the last minute, when City finally scored in extra-time to seal the win. As soon as the whistle blew, the Blue Moon players on the pitch rejoiced, while Pep Guardiola excitedly skipped on his knees on the sidelines in celebration, a scene that recreated the classic scene after Bucharest Star goalkeeper Dukedam saved a penalty in the 1986 Champions League final.
The celebration of kneeling is a classic among the classics in the history of football. From Maradona's handball trickery to Zidane's stunner, these have become eternal moments on the football field. Pep Guardiola's sliding kneeling will forever be remembered as a wonderful moment when Manchester City lifted the Champions League for the first time.
Controversial voices
While Pep Guardiola's kneel celebration was undoubtedly a move of excitement, it did not stop the outside world from questioning the act. Some people think that as a professional coach, Guardiola's celebration is too exaggerated and even a bit out of shape. A good coach is expected to remain calm and reserved, not so presumptuous.
There are also explanations and justifications for Guardiola's actions. They believe that passion is a reflection of Pep Guardiola's coaching style. As a player, Pep Guardiola was known for his tenacious fighting spirit. And now, as a coach, his desire to win the title has not diminished in the slightest. The celebration of kneeling is just a catharsis of this persistence.
The two do not owe each other
The result of this Champions League final also means that Manchester City has finally lifted the coveted Champions League Cup under the leadership of Pep Guardiola. As Manchester City's head coach, Pep Guardiola has helped the team reach the highest level of European competition in his own way. As for Arsenal, although they lost in the final, they finally did not owe anything to former manager Pep Guardiola.
During Pep Guardiola's time at Arsenal, he led the Gunners to a number of impressive European successes. And now, on this stage at Manchester City, he has finally fulfilled his long-cherished wish in his own way. From this point of view, the relationship between Guardiola and Arsenal has been completely broken with the end of this final.
A football match is often not just a contest of 22 people on the field, but more of a duel between two teams, two cultures, and two philosophies. In this decisive battle between Manchester City and Arsenal, we not only witnessed the grudge between Guardiola and his old owner, but also saw his persistent pursuit of winning the title. This dedication is the reason why he is a good coach, and it will also drive him to more brilliant things in the future.