Guardiola on Yamal: “I Would Love to Coach Him”

Pep Guardiola, current manager of Manchester City and one of the most influential figures in modern football, has openly expressed his admiration for FC Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal. Speaking to the media recently, the Catalan coach revealed his desire to coach the 17-year-old winger, though he admitted it’s highly unlikely to happen.

“I would love to coach him… but it won’t happen,” Guardiola said with a nostalgic smile, hinting at both his past at Barcelona and his present with Manchester City.

Guardiola’s comments come as no surprise. Lamine Yamal has been one of the most exciting young talents in European football this season, becoming a regular starter for Barcelona and capturing the attention of fans, analysts, and top coaches across the continent. In La Liga alone, he has recorded 9 goals and 13 assists in 35 matches—a staggering return for a teenager.

Yamal’s maturity on the pitch is beyond his years. His dribbling, vision, decision-making, and composure in front of goal have made him an essential piece in Barcelona’s attack, especially during a season of transition for the club.

For Guardiola, who famously helped launch the careers of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Pedro during his managerial stint at Barcelona from 2008 to 2012, it’s easy to see why he would take an interest in Yamal’s development. Pep knows exactly what it takes to nurture raw talent into world-class greatness.

“He plays with a joy and intelligence that reminds me of the true greats,” Guardiola said. “He has something special—something you can’t teach.”

Yamal’s influence goes far beyond stats and comparisons. He’s already proven to be decisive in high-stakes matches—rivalries, European fixtures, and crucial league games—showing he doesn’t shy away from pressure.

While most managers are careful not to comment too much on players from other clubs, Guardiola didn’t hold back. His respect for pure talent transcends the usual diplomacy found in the football world.

The response from Yamal’s camp wasn’t long in coming. Sources close to the young winger stated he was flattered by Guardiola’s words but remains entirely focused on his growth at Barcelona.

The club itself sees Yamal as a cornerstone of their future. With Hansi Flick now at the helm, Barcelona is expected to rely on Yamal even more in the upcoming season. The German coach reportedly views him as a key figure in the team’s new tactical structure.

That makes Guardiola’s dream more of a compliment than a real possibility. With Yamal tied to a long-term project at Barcelona, the likelihood of him playing under Pep seems extremely slim—at least for the foreseeable future.

Still, when a manager of Guardiola’s stature makes such a public statement, it adds tremendous weight to Yamal’s status. The former Bayern and Barça boss, who has won every major club title, doesn’t hand out praise lightly.

On the international stage, Yamal is also beginning to make his mark. He’s already been called up to the Spanish national team and has impressed early on, showing signs he could be a key player for La Roja in future tournaments, including the upcoming European Championship.

Naturally, comparisons have already begun. Football fans and pundits alike are drawing parallels between Yamal and the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mbappé. While each of those stars carved out their own unique paths, Yamal’s first 100 games are quickly forming a legacy of their own.

Despite all the attention, Yamal remains grounded. He prefers to let his football do the talking. His humility, professionalism, and eagerness to learn have earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

Guardiola also highlighted Yamal’s mentality as one of his biggest strengths: “What I like most about him isn’t just how he plays—it’s how he thinks. He has a good head on his shoulders, and that’s more valuable than many skills in today’s football.”

Ultimately, even though Guardiola’s wish to coach Yamal seems like a fantasy rather than a real possibility, his words serve as high praise for the teenager. Yamal is not only shaping the future of Barcelona—he’s helping define the future of world football.

For now, Guardiola and Yamal will walk separate paths. But if football has taught us anything, it’s that the most unexpected dreams sometimes do come true. Until then, all eyes will remain on this prodigious talent as he continues his rise.