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PROFILE: JOSEP GUARDIOLA

26March, 2012

Barcelona took the unusual step of promoting Guardiola from Barcelona 'B' coach to succeed Frank Rijkaard in July, 2008. The Catalan fans need not have worried as Guardiola proved himself a more than capable replacement for Rijkaard in his first season at the helm, picking up an incredible six-trophy haul and elevating himself among the best coaches in the game.

As a player, Guardiola had been a product of the famous Barca youth academy and blossomed into one of the finest midfielders in the game. Between 1990 and 2001 he notched-up nearly 400 appearances for the club and won six La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, a European Cup and a host of other silverware. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he went onto become a key member of the 'Barcelona Dream Team' put together by Johan Cruyff - picking up the Cup Winners' Cup as well.

Linked with a host of clubs upon his departure in 2001, Guardiola went first to Brescia Calcio and then AS Roma in Serie A. He failed to make much of an impression in Italy and his spell included a four-month ban after testing positive for Nandrolone - although he was cleared of all charges on appeal six years later. After a lucrative spell in Qatar with Al-Ahli, he moved to Mexican club Dorados de Sinaloa, where he played for six months. However, upon their relegation he finally hung up his boots and took his first steps into coaching.

After a year out, Guardiola was appointed coach of FC Barcelona B in June 2007. He immediately impressed with his work ethic and will to win and he lead the side to promotion to Segunda División B. To the surprise of many it was announced that he would take control of the senior side after Frank Rijkaard and Guardiola soon made waves.

Promoted Numancia defeated Barcelona on the opening day of the La Liga, but the team then picked up an unprecedented six-trophy haul in Guardiola's first season. Barca became the first Spanish side to win the treble of Champions League, Primera Division and Copa del Rey and the Blaugranas then added the Spanish and European Super Cups before completing the set by winning the Club World Cup in December.

Guardiola rightly picked up the plaudits and his 4-3-3 system (one of the most feared in the world), coupled with his personal approach during training, in contrast to Rijkaard, won him the respect of both the players and the fans. He remains one of the best young coaches in the business.

Strengths:A great man-manager, he commands a plenty of respect off the pitch and does not rant and rave on the sidelines. He knows the Barcelona style inside out.

Weaknesses:Relatively inexperienced on the big stage, he has not been adaptable when Barcelona need to change their style - notably in the Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan in the 2009-10 season.

Career high:His first campaign in charge, when he won an unprecedented six trophies with the club.

Career low:Beaten by Inter Milan in the semi-finals of the Champions League, he was tactically outsmarted by Jose Mourinho.

Tactics:The 4-3-3 system serves him well, with two creative midfielders and a defensive holding player in the middle. Short, sharp passing is the name of the game and beautiful football is top of the agenda.

Quotes:''Since I took the job our play has been marked by brave, attacking football. Sometimes we've been bold and, occasionally, I think we've played audaciously. It's a philosophy of football. Win or lose I want us to show who we are and what kind of football we believe in. I want my team to go out and be themselves.'' Guardiola on the team's style.

Trivia: He is a close friend of water polo great Manuel Estiarte, whom he has known since 1992.