BOOK REVIEW: Pep Guardiola – The Evolution by Martí Perarnau

When Pep Guardiola left Barceolna in 2012 there was one huge question hanging on him. He had grown up in Barcelona, came through the youth system to break through in their first team. His managerial career started with Barcelona B team. Hew knew Barcelona and its culture better than anybody else. How could he thrive elsewhere?

When I read Perarnau’s last book on Guardiola which described his first season at Bayern and the preparation he went through. It is debatable that his time at Bayern Munich can be as considered as success, at least on the domestic front, I’d say they were dominating. Big clubs want European success and Pep could not do the same at Bayern as he did in Barcelona. This book describes Guardiola’s three seasons at Bayern Munich with constant anecdotes from the players and staff of the club. It discuss in-depth how Guardiola’s obsession with to reach next level changed players and the impact they had on their careers.

This book take its reader further while analysing Guardiola’s management style through key moments off and on field. Perarnau reveals how Guardiola improved as a manager at Bayern despite failing to land the ultimate prize in European football, examines his decision to leave Germany to take up the challenge at Manchester City and how his managerial style will continue to evolve in the Premier League.

I like Perarnau’s writing style. It is written with same enthusiasm and well-researched as his last book: Pep Confidential. To understand and study the genius of Guardiola, this book is a perfect match. I am not saying this book is a must read of Guardiola or Manchester City fan in general but rather than it is for anyone who loves the game or is obssessed by it as I am.