Real Madrid weren’t the only bit of Spanish flair in the north of England this week.

Wednesday night saw revered Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague grace the Britannia Stadium as part of his UK book tour, flaunting his characteristic mannerisms and knowledge.

Staffordshire University were able to secure a question and answer session before the main show, in which students were able to quiz the Spaniard on journalistic advice and his opinions on Spanish football. To be honest it was all too surreal. I felt the same emotions that I felt when I met Jason Mohammed- these guys are my idols. They were once in the same position as me and now I guess you could say that they are ‘living the dream’.

The main event saw me assume the role as roaming cameraman for StaffsLive, something I actually really enjoyed. To be part of the media set-up, as well as putting my journalistic skills into practice in an event like this. I could hear Staffs Uni journalism lecturer Gary Hudson nagging me in my head about what shots to do. Actually made me chuckle to myself.

Guillem talked about the managerial career of Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, which is contained in his book ‘Another Way of Winning’. I was surprisingly hypnotized by the story- I only had heard snippets before. But to be told it from A to Z with all the colour painted in between as well, was just so interesting. Having Peter Crouch and Asmir Begovic there just added to the spectacle and complimented Guillem extremely well- like a fine Spanish wine.

There is no doubting that what football has witnessed with Barcelona is divine. Yet to learn how it was achieved is just mind blowing- and Guillem presented this well in his talk.

All in all, it was an enjoyable evening and the take away afterwards was well worth it!