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Tony Pulis Reveals Pep Guardiola's Personal Barcelona Invitation

BBC Sport Football •
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Tony Pulis has detailed his unique relationship with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, revealing how the Spaniard personally offered to guide him around Barcelona. The former Stoke and West Brom boss described post-match hospitality traditions in British football, where opposition managers would share food and wine after games.

During their first meeting in 2016-17, Guardiola impressed Pulis with his humility and willingness to discuss his Barcelona tenure featuring Lionel Messi. After sharing a meal and wine, Guardiola asked for Pulis's wife's email to send a personalized Barcelona itinerary, though they never made the trip.

Pulis argues Guardiola's influence extends beyond trophies, transforming English football from grassroots to the national team. He ranks the City boss behind only Sir Alex Ferguson among modern managers, crediting the groundwork laid by City's existing Barcelona connection through Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, who understood Guardiola's vision before his arrival.

With speculation growing about Guardiola's future, Pulis emphasizes what English football would lose - not just tactical innovation but genuine human warmth that embodies football's family spirit.