In a recent exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola shared rare insights into his personal daily habits, his attitude towards social media and his unique way of preparing before and after matches, showing a side of him that is not well known as a world-class coach.
Social media insulators: tips for staying focused
Guardiola has been outspoken about his rejection of social media and email, revealing that he only uses a simple cell phone with simple features, and doesn't even have any short-form video software or social media apps installed. This minimalist lifestyle allows him to get away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world and focus on soccer itself. When it comes to keeping up with social media developments, he chooses to do so indirectly through the eyes of his daughters, which maintains a certain distance and allows him to focus more on the team's training and matches.
Bus trips away from the players: coaching wisdom
On the way to the away game, Guardiola chose to ride in the staff bus instead of traveling with the players. He explained that this arrangement is both because he is always with the players and needs some personal space, and also out of respect for the players, giving them enough freedom and space to relax. This subtle sense of distance between the coach and the players may be the key to Guardiola's ability to maintain both authority and affinity.
Match video viewing: from hardworking to "lazy"
Talking about the number of times he watches videos of his opponents before matches, Guardiola humorously said that he has become "lazy" now. He revealed that he watched far more video footage when he was younger than he does now, a change that may reflect his deep understanding of soccer tactics and his ability to accurately grasp the state of his team. Nowadays, he pays more attention to the immediate state of the players and the overall trend of the opponents, rather than over-indulging in video analysis.
Training day routine: spontaneous and rigorous
Pep Guardiola's routine on training days is also a concern. He admits that he is a "night owl" and likes to go to bed late and get up late, especially in the cold winter months. However, this kind of spontaneity is not excessive, he emphasized that only when the energy is full will be put into work, and even do not hesitate to stay up until the early hours of the morning. This precise control of his own state and his ability to utilize his time efficiently is undoubtedly one of the key factors in his success.
Preparation for the night before the race: mindset is everything
The night before the team's game, Guardiola will carry out exhaustive preparations, including determining the team's lineup, arranging meetings, etc. He revealed that when everything is ready, he can sleep like a baby. He reveals that when everything is ready and his mind is at ease, he is able to sleep peacefully like a baby; and once he has any doubts or worries, he will toss and turn and find it difficult to sleep. This kind of extreme importance to the results of the game and the pursuit of perfection in details is the secret of his leadership of Manchester City and other big-game teams to achieve success time and again.
