Barcelona stars of the previous and current got here collectively on Friday night time to have fun the one hundred and twenty fifth anniversary of the membership however it was the looks of former participant and supervisor Pep Guardiola that had everybody speaking.
A pre-recorded video of the Manchester Metropolis boss was beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu, with the presence of the scar on his nostril, which he sported forward of his aspect’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord, offering some clues as to when it was filmed.
However slightly than say just a few phrases in regards to the membership the place he gained, amongst different issues, the European Cup as a participant and a supervisor, the Spaniard was seen miming alongside to the music ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel.
The surreal efficiency lasted simply over a minute and was met with rapturous applause by all within the grand auditorium.
There was, nonetheless, a much less enthusiastic response from these on social media to the second, with some joking that the 53-year-old had been pressured into it towards his will.
In fact, the music holds particular significance for Guardiola, as it’s reportedly certainly one of his private favourites. Recognized for its monotone melody and the singer’s solemn expression, the duvet was actually a singular contact.
Pep Guardiola’s lip-synched efficiency of ‘Aniversari’ by Manel was beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu on Friday night time
Barcelona gamers had been suitably attired for the particular night time, whereas membership president Joan Laporte took pleasure of place
Barcelona stars of the previous and current had been in attendance to have fun the membership’s one hundred and twenty fifth birthday
Owing to Metropolis’s urgent commitments, Guardiola was unable to attend the ceremony in individual not like the likes of Frank Rijkaard, Hristo Stoichkov, Xavi Hernandez and Patrick Kluivert.
Barcelona’s present crop of gamers, who at the moment sit high of LaLiga, had been all suitably attired for the event, whereas membership president Joan Laporta took pleasure of place. There have been extra video clips from Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Romario.
The membership additionally unveiled a brand new mascot, creatively referred to as ‘Cat’ that had been created by famed Catalan siblings Carlos and Jordi Grangel to mark the Blaugrana’s one hundred and twenty fifth birthday.
Guardiola’s look comes amid the worst run of his profession. That it quantities to solely six video games it a testomony to his unimaginable resume. The previous Barcelona and Bayer Munich boss is trying to find his first win in additional than a month.
His aspect managed to finish a run of 5 consecutive defeats on Tuesday night time however their 3-3 draw with Feyenoord maybe offered probably the most worrying instance of his aspect’s present failings. Metropolis led by 3-0 at dwelling to the Dutch aspect however conspired to give up their benefit within the closing quarter-hour of the match.
The sport was additionally notable for the looks, and feedback, of the Metropolis boss after the ultimate whistle. Guardiola was questioned in his post-match press convention a few lower on his nostril, whereas scratches had been additionally seen on his head and he joked that he needed to ‘hurt himself’ after the collapse.
Guardiola apologised for a remark the following day and insisted that he didn’t intend to make gentle of self-harm.
His crew have the unenviable job of travelling to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, who’ve the prospect to additional burnish their title credentials and transfer 11 factors away from the defending champions after solely 13 video games.
Guardiola sparked concern when he appeared after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord with a lower on his nostril and scratches on his face
Metropolis are winless of their final six matches in all competitions forward of a visit to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield
He was adamant on Friday night time that he’ll withstand the problem of reviving his crew, saying: ‘Individuals say, “Pep, why is he not in bother? Why is he not sacked?”
‘However what we have now finished over the past eight years is why I’ve this margin.
‘The folks right here depend on me. The second I really feel I’m not constructive for the membership, one other one will come. The membership will take the answer, the choice they must take. However I needed the chance to attempt.
‘I do not need to run away. I need to make a rebuild of the crew in lots of facets from now till the tip of the season and subsequent season, to attempt to proceed up there. I’ve to show myself now.’
