Pep cut from same Arsene Wenger cloth

Josep Guardiola grabbed the headlines last season when he did the treble with Barcelona winning the Spanish League, Spanish cup and Champions League in his first season at the helm of the Catalan club. Even more impressive was the fact that he was merely 39.

Yet his first season was not a complete cake walk and after poor form and results the pressure was on, as the fans began to grow weary of the inexperienced former Barca player. Enter Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. The French man flew Guardiola out to London to watch a game and to have a word and it seemingly did the job as Barca would go on to rule domestically and in Europe.

Wenger’s help was not lost on the young Barca boss so in May as the plaudits were flooding in, Guardiola took time to phone Wenger and thank him for the advice that had a hand in him reversing his fortunes at the Nou Camp. So now it comes as no surprise that Wenger has earmarked Guardiola to take over from him when he finally steps down.

Guardiola is well aware that the life expectancy of managers in Spain is not long, thus Guardiola has rejected offers to extend his contract past the initial 2 years he signed. His predecessor Frank Rijkaard had his contract terminated despite Joan Laporte gushing that his achievements at the club ‘have made history’ as he won the league twice as well as the Champions League in his 5 years as boss.

Under Guardiola, Barcelona play football that make Arsenal look like Stoke. Last season they scored a record number of goals in the league (105), thumped Real Madrid 6-2 at the Bernabeau and played Manchester United off the pitch in the Champions League final. So Arsenal fans will be more than welcoming of Guardiola, as they can rest assured that their brilliant style of football will not be compromised.

Guardiola also has experience of success in Champions League, something that for Arsenal’s brilliance they are yet to taste which too could sweeten the deal.

Another significant factor in Guardiola’s possible appointment is his connections with Barcelona and the influence this could have on captain Cesc Fabregas. Constantly linked with a return back to Spain, the incentive of possibly playing under his boy hood hero could be enough to make Fabregas stay at the club he has called home since the age 16.

There have been grumblings of frustration at Arsenal’s lack of success in recent years but the majority of Arsenal fans are more than grateful for what Wenger has done for the club in his 12 year tenure so don’t expect Wenger to just get the elbow in favour of Guardiola.

The fact that Guardiola will be a free agent next summer if he does not extend his contract with the Catalan giants simply means that Arsenal fans will have to wait that while longer before they see ‘Pep’ in the home dugout of the Emirates stadium.

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Helen Chamberlain, Max Rushden and the rest of the Soccer Am crew tackle the task of unearthing the team of their dreams.

Tubes, Health and Safety, Rocket and Baby Elvis are among the familiar faces joining Helen and Max to indulge in a special set of sketches, including Kung Fu Academy, Third Eyes and the return of the £10 Goal Celebration.

Who makes it through the filter of football’s funniest show as the Greatest Team In The World?

Does the Premier League take precedence or does La Liga lead the way??

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