"Maybe it's time for a career switch", "Better than Shakira" - Fans react as video of Pep Guardiola singing at Barcelona event emerges
Fans reacted online after a video of Pep Guardiola singing on the occasion of Barcelona's 125th-anniversary celebrations went viral on the internet. The Manchester City boss was not present at the gala but shared a video message for fans.
Pep Guardiola has been an integral part of Barcelona's history, both as a former player and coach at the club. He is best remembered for managing the side between 2008 and 2012 with 14 titles to his name. These include two UEFA Champions League titles, three LaLiga titles, and two Copas del Rey among others. The Catalan coach notably led La Blaugrana to the continental treble in the 2008-09 season.
On November 29, Barcelona celebrated their 125th anniversary with several former coaches and legends sending virtual messages for the fans. Apart from sending a heartfelt message, Pep Guardiola also sang a Spanish song for Culers. The video was shown during the celebrations with several current and former players present.
Fans took to X to react to Guardiola's singing, with many joking about it being a potential career option for the Catalan coach. One X user wrote:
"His highlight of the season maybe it’s time for a career switch I reckon."
"Why is he a low-key good singer," another fan opined.
"We watched pep singing before GTA 6💀," a user added.
"If city lose the next game liverpool fans are going to have a field day with this video," another netizen joked.
Fans continued to joke about Guardiola's singing with many comparing him to popular singers in jest.
"Already better than Shakira," a fan quipped.
"My man, better than Taylor swift," another netizen jibed.
"tears they forced him to do this when he's at his lowest in life," an X user chimed in.
Some of the other reactions were as follows:
"I’m so confused, is that meant to be his voice?," a fan asked.
"Time to retire from coaching and open an orchestra band in catalunya," another user commented.
Apart from Guardiola, legends like Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Andres Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Carles Puyol, and Sergio Busquets also sent video messages for the club's 125th gala. Former superstars such as Xavi, Gerard Pique, and Ronald Koeman were present at the gala in Barcelona.
"The affection I have for them destroys me" - When Pep Guardiola claimed he does not want to face Barcelona in the Champions League
In an October 2024 interview with Italian TV program Che Tempo Che Fa, Pep Guardiola was asked which team he would not want to face in the UEFA Champions League. The Catalan coach did not hold back his affection for his former club, saying (via beIN SPORTS):
"Barcelona, maybe. The affection I have for them destroys me. I was born in a small village nearby, and facing them is never easy."
Pep Guardiola has faced his former club four times in his career. He has won twice and lost twice against them. The Catalan manager first faced Barca in the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League semi-finals with Bayern Munich. Although the Bavarians won the second leg 3-2, they lost the tie 5-3 on aggregate having lost the first leg 3-0. La Blaugrana went on to win the title that season.
Pep Guardiola next faced Barcelona with Manchester City in the 2016-17 season group stages. His side lost 4-0 at Camp Nou and won 3-1 in the reverse fixture a few weeks later.