27 years of rivalry: The incredible story of Guardillas with Pochettino as opponents

Mauricio Pochetino was the man who organized the most painful moment in Pep Guardillas' career in Manchester City.

Two years ago, their rivalry has resurfaced with both managers aiming to make stories about their respective clubs, who in turn are desperate for a first success in the Champions League.

City maintains the advantage, following their 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first semifinal match, but memories of the dramatic victory of the Tottenham quarterfinals in 2019 will act as a grim reminder, even though the Guardella players will not stop giving up until the last blow of the game.

Pochetttino and Spurs players took to the Etid Stadium field two years ago, while City players returned back to the desperate dressing room after the amazing victory of Tottenhem with the goals rule abroad, GOAL writes, Periscopi.

A goal of Fernando Llyante, who seemed to come out of his arm but was not seen by the VAR, was followed by the cruel overthrow of Raheem Sterling's blow in the offside, where City then switched from delirium to despair.

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It's part of our memories in our period here. In our career and life, we have good moments and disappointing moments.

We made an extraordinary show that day and in that case we couldn't get through. Now we're gonna try to reach the finals. ”

For Pochettino, reaching the finals this season remains the biggest moment of his managerial career.

While he bloodyed Guardillas' nose and gathered enough screwdrivers to finally win his chance at Parc des Princess, Argentina still hasn't won a considerable piece of silver as coach dealt with no matter Trophee des Champions France.

A lack of tangible success could be expected in previous clubs such as Espanyol, Southampton and Spurs, but he took the lead of French champions with the expectation that the grand prize would be delivered.

For the first time in a rivalry that spans 27 years ago, as players and managers, Pochetino and Guardilla will face each other as equals.

Pochettino cannot consider himself the most vulnerable with a team that includes such excellent qualities of players as Neymar, Kyleian Mbarpe and Angel di Maria.

Before their latest clash, Pochetino attended the opponent's press conference and echoed his sentiments as if to show that they are now fighting at the same level.

When I get to these stages, I'm calmer than before. I try to enjoy”, Guardiola said when asked if there was any concern

“I am so relaxed,” answered Pochetino. “I'm enjoying”.

To PSG, Guardiola said: “They are an extraordinary team, everyone knows it. They have players who can create something for themselves and win the match. ”

Pochetino's response: “We are playing with the best team in the world that also wants to win”.

It's not the case at the same level as in the past.

Guardiola was in mid-1980 a sophisticated midfielder, winner of the European Cup with the team from the star-filled Camp Nou, and added two La Liga, a Copa del Rey and the European Cup, while Pochettino was on the opposite side of the city's division of Espanyol.

He was the long-haired warrior in Espanyol, who achieved only a single success in the cup during those years.

When Pochetino was transferred to management with Espanyol in January 2009, his first match was a quarterfinal of Copa del Rey against the Guardola Bar team, which included Lionel Messin, Andres Inestan and Xavin.

Again he began from a inferior position, but it did not prevent him from fighting.

Espanyol evened 0-0 and as they lost their second 3-2 match in Camp Nou, they would win 2-1 on the Barca field in La League three weeks later their first league victory there in 27 years.

Of the 10 derbits of Barcelona they competed, Guardiola won only five, though for all his achievements, Pochettino left Espanyol at the end of the table.

However, he had discovered a way to frustrate barca's performance, struggling with bravery and faith in the field.

It was a custom he applied to White Hart Lane, and his Spurs were the first to beat City after Guardilla moved to England in 2016.

Five years later, there is respect between two managers but also a boiling tension.

Pochettino has talked about his friendship with Guarola's greatest rival, Jose Mourinho, with the fact that they connected a mutual enmity with barca.

And when Guardilla referred to Tottenham as having “equip Harry Kane” in 2017, Pochetino accused him of being “disrespectful”.

He was part of the great success at Barcelona and I never said it was Lionel Messi's team,” he retaliated.

Revenge is not in Guardiola's mind, as he is trying to take City to a first final of the Champions League.

But to defeat a rival who has caused harm to his side in the past would make his arrival in Istanbul [where the final play of the Champions League] slightly sweeter this year.

Both trainers are known as students of the great Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsas. /Goal/Periscope