Pep Guardiola, the current manager of Manchester City, revealed details about a meeting with a group of his old friends shortly after Manchester City's fourth consecutive Premier League title, which significantly helped refocus his mind after the exhausting continuous work with the team. This secret session included his old friends Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes, Pedro, and some members of the academy team he led to win the Spanish third division title in his first season as a coach in 2008, serving as a timely reminder of the achievements he has made and what might be possible in the future.
Guardiola spoke about the precious hours spent at La Bonanova restaurant in the town of Sant Just Desvern in Catalonia, saying, "It's very nice to remember those days. They were extraordinary. It has been 15 years and it was the first time we won the league and were promoted from the third division."
He added, "Most of them are fathers, some are divorced, some are retired, some still play, and others have started becoming managers."
He continued, "When you reach the end of the season, you always feel a little tired, but when you fight for the title, you feel less tired; you have to rest your mind, think of other things, and do other things. Otherwise, there will be a moment when you won't succeed. I have learned that. Before, I used to say, 'I have to work.' No, sometimes by resting, you work better."
Guardiola said, "Sometimes I feel tired, and at that moment I do not work, but I rest, and after resting, I am ready to work harder and better; the same goes for the players. They put in a lot of effort, and they need days off, so at the moment of the game, they must be present."
The 53-year-old coach also watched the NBA Finals, Wimbledon, the European Championship, and the Olympics this summer after admitting at the end of last season that he felt pressure following eight years at Manchester City and that he was contemplating his future as his contract deadline approaches.
