The Spanish tactician Pep Guardiola boasts a CV of managing elite clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich. In soccer, managers function as the think tank, steering their sides from the sidelines. They deliver instructions, plan tactical strategies and formations, and shape the game’s overall approach.
Whether in training sessions or during matches, they play a pivotal role as primary decision-makers to maximize the team’s potential. However, the opposite can also be the case when a manager seeks advice from his players. Once, Guardiola called his former player Otamendi for advice.
Nicolas Otamendi reveals why Pep Guardiola called him
Almost a year has passed since Lionel Messi led Argentina to their third World Cup title in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Captain Messi was rightfully honored with the Golden Ball for being the best player in the World Cup and was subsequently recognized with the Ballon d’Or 2023 by France Football.
Alongside the Inter Miami star, the Argentina team includes various unsung heroes, among them former Manchester City defender Nicholas Otamendi. He played an integral role for Albiceleste, featuring in all the matches during their triumph. His side stunned the defending champions, France, in the final.
Recently, the Benfica defender revealed a post-match incident after the World Cup final victory. He received a phone call from his former boss, Pep Guardiola, who commended the team’s mentality in overcoming Les Blues on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw in extra time.
He revealed, “Pep Guardiola called me after the World Cup, and he asked me how we managed to have that mentality we had after blowing the 2-0 lead and being able to protect the result and play like that how we did in the extra times.”
Clearly, the two share a warm bond even years after parting ways at Manchester. It is no secret that Lionel Messi’s world cup triumph had delighted the Spanish tactician and he speed dialed Otamendi to exchange words on their epic victory.
Nicolas Otamendi and Pep Guardiola’s bond at Manchester City
Argentina star Nicolas Otamendi and Pep Guardiola share a strong bond, with the Manchester City boss consistently expressing admiration for the defender’s skills. Likewise, Otamendi has spoken highly of Guardiola, considering himself fortunate to have played under the supervision of the Spaniard.
Otamendi arrived at the Etihad in 2015 during Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure and quickly established himself as their first-choice center-back. The defender led his side from the back to secure seven titles, including two Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, while making 210 appearances across all competitions.
In 2020, the Argentine bid farewell to Manchester City, joining the Portuguese giants SL Benfica in a £13.7 million move after a glorious stint in City colors and four years of being coached by the former Barça boss. Following his departure, the Premier League side most recently prevailed to clinch a treble-winning season.
