Pep Guardiola vs Luis Enrique: Similarities and differences in the two managers

Pep Guardiola vs Luis Enrique: Similarities and differences in the two managers

1.- Similiar beginnings

Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola were both object to criticism when they entered management, but the results have dispelled those doubts. Former at Barça B as coaches, although in very different ways, both progressed to the top job at Camp Nou.

2.- Blaugrana DNA

Luis Enrique's football view comes from his time at Barça. He's heavily influenced by his success as a player. Guardiola didn't miss the opportunity to travel abroad, observe other methods of work and watch other managers do their thing.

3.- Authority

Luis Enrique and Guardiola apply discipline to their daily lives. Both share a grid pattern approach to work. However, Pep is able to read games better. He is capable of changing a system two or three times in the same match.

4.-  Staff

Luis Enrique is surrounded by a group of related work people, although they are open and sensitive friends who go beyond football. Guardiola has a more closed core and is more faithful to his models and ideologies of work. The shield that surrounds his working environment must be trustworthy.

5.- Defence and pressure

Guardiola improved the defensive organisation at Barcelona by betting on bringing the ball out from the back, innovating the midfield and executing pressure in the final third. Luis Enrique has continued in a similar way and has even increased the pressing in the final third. He also worked well with set plays. 

6.- Strategy

Luis Enrique has undergone a curious evolution. Mixed marking at set pieces has provided solutions in both defence and in attack. The team is secure at the back and is scoring a lot of goals. Guardiola prefers a zonal defence which has always resulted in strengths and in weaknesses. 

7.- Dressing room control 

Luis Enrique and Guardiola have both always defended the idea of rotating, even if they often know their favoured side. The aim is to keep all the players on their toes, believing they can start games and united on their quest for success. It also keeps the whole squad fresh, but also ready for action. 

8.- Press

Luis Enrique doesn't give a lot away and if he didn't have to he probably wouldn't speak to the press as often as he does. Guardiola is much more comfortable talking about football.