Guardiola dared to play a brand of football others were afraid to even attempt, claims Lillo

Juanma Lillo has paid tribute to Pep Guardiola for implementing a style of play during his time at Barcelona that others were too afraid to even attempt.


Guardiola announced on Friday that he will be stepping down as Blaugrana boss at the end of the current campaign, admitting that he needs a break from the game.

The 41-year-old will depart as the club's most successful coach, having already racked up 13 titles ahead of next month's Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, and Lillo believes that the former Spain international must be lauded for wining trophies while playing the most sublime passing football.

"He dared to play the game that others would not, and this has also helped the Spanish national team," the former Almeria boss is quoted as saying by Sport.

"Pep and Barca are one and the same. Everything he felt when he played he has transmitted as a coach and on top of that, tremendous levels of passion and enthusiasm."

Lillo also dismissed those who have criticised Guardiola for allowing the uncertainty over his future with the club to drag on for months.

"He has thought a lot about things and has taken this decision because he thinks it is best for him," the 46-year-old argued.

Meanwhile, Lillo admitted that he has no idea if his friend will take a year off or make a swift return to the game.

"We should not say anything at this time," he argued. "He has to see how he feels, as in whether he wants to go back in four days or is fine with it; you never know."

Guardiola spent a year in charge of the Barca B team before succeeding Frank Rijkaard as first-team coach in 2008.