Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has opened up on how Pep Guardiola’s style of management was different to Sir Alex Ferguson’s during his time at Manchester United.
Pique spent nearly all of his youth career with Barcelona but made the move to United in 2004. The Spanish centre-back spent four years on the books with the Red Devils before being resigned by his old club, a move orchestrated by new manager Guardiola.
The 29-year-old has been coached therefore by some of the biggest names in the game, and Pique has now talked on how he found working under the Spanish young coach and the legendary Scotsman.
And the defender has confirmed that Sir Alex was not hands on in his role, due to his delegation of coaching, Guardiola came into Barcelona with an intensity as it was his first major job.
Speaking to BT Sport with former United defender Rio Ferdinand, Pique said: “When I was at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson was already 20 years as the coach of Manchester United, so he took the position of the coach in a different style than Guardiola.
“Guardiola was really young, it was his first year as a first-team coach and he was really intense every training, you cannot imagine.”
“Sir Alex Ferguson, when I was there I remember [Carlos] Queiroz was the guy who took training, he [Ferguson] was like more outside, controlling everything, taking a different position.”
Ferdinand interjected to suggest: “Like the godfather?”
Pique continued: “Exactly. And Guardiola was like every day, he was there, but both of them you can see their careers. I think they’re both.”
The Spanish international has enjoyed incredible success since returning to the La Liga side. Under the guidance of Guardiola the defender got to lift 14 trophies, including three La Liga crowns and two Champions Leagues.
Pique did win silverware during his time at United, and helped the Red Devils to the Premier League title and the Champions League in his final season at the club.
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