‘Best football I’ve ever seen’ – Newcastle manager hails Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona

Barcelona went through their golden period between 2008 and 2012 when Pep Guardiola was in charge of the team.

After taking over a team that had gone trophyless in the previous season, Guardiola built an all-conquering monster that dominated Spanish and European football over the next few years.

Barcelona won a galore of trophies during that period and did so by playing eye-catching, attractive football, defining the golden era in the club’s history.

Over the years, many footballers – present and past, and managers have revealed their admiration for Pep’s Barcelona and spoken about how they were left in awe of the Catalans’ juggernaut.

And, current Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed that he too was a huge admirer of Guardiola’s Barça, stating that it was the best football he has ever seen being played.

“My love for Spanish football certainly increased around the time when Pep was managing Barcelona. For me, that was a magical time for football,” Howe told DAZN.

Barcelona’s golden generation under Pep. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Watching his Barcelona team at its peak, I think it is some of the best football I’ve ever seen. Even to this day, I think it’s some of the most beautiful football and the way that he managed those players was incredible to see.”

“That definitely inspired me and my management journey,” he added.

During his four years as Barcelona manager, Guardiola built a world-conquering team comprising of players like Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Victor Valdes, and many others.

Barça’s golden generation went on to win 14 trophies in the span of four seasons.