Pep Guardiola: 3 tactical nuances you probably didn't know about

#2 Guardiola's rendition of the False Nine

Guardiola was once quoted saying that while trying to make Lionel Messi the best player in the world, the Argentine ended up making him the best manager in the world.

Everyone is aware that it was Guardiola who developed Lionel Messi in the False Nine position, but not many are aware of the fact that the decision to play Messi in that position came as a rescue to Guardiola during a match.

It was a match against Real Madrid in 2009 when Guardiola-led FC Barcelona were unable to break the defense of Madrid, and that's when the Spanish manager switched the roles of Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, albeit with a twist.

With Eto'o going wider to the right wing, Lionel Messi was ordered to play in a false nine position in the center.

Guardiola's strategy in doing it was simple, Real Madrid midfielders used to press high up the field, whereas the center-backs used to guard Iker Casillas' goal by staying close to the goalkeeper, which left a huge space between the Madrid midfielders and defenders.

Lionel Messi exactly exploited that space helping Barcelona win 6-2 at the Bernabeu, and the rest is history. Another tactical masterclass by Guardiola to make the best player in the world realize the best position for himself.

(Source: Pep Confidential - The inside story of Guardiola's first season at Bayern Munich)