Football: Common sense counts, says Guardiola

YOKOHAMA: Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says a ‘common sense’ approach is a major factor behind his phenomenal success at the European champions, downplaying the role of tactics. The Spanish side face Asian champions Al Sadd in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup tomorrow and are favourites to progress. Guardiola said there was no great secret behind his success. “There’s nothing special about it,” he said. “It’s been a question of making good signings and blending them in with the home-grown players. We’re just trying to use our common sense. You wanted to know why we keep getting good results? That’s the answer: common sense.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2011.