Barcelona stars of the past and present came together on Friday night to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club but it was the appearance of former player and manager Pep Guardiola that had everyone talking.
A pre-recorded video of the Manchester City boss was beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu, with the presence of the scar on his nose, which he sported ahead of his side’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord, providing some clues as to when it was filmed.
But rather than say a few words about the club where he won, among other things, the European Cup as a player and a manager, the Spaniard was seen miming along to the song ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel.
The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was met with rapturous applause by all in the grand auditorium.
There was, however, a less enthusiastic response from those on social media to the moment, with some joking that the 53-year-old had been forced into it against his will.
In truth, the song holds special significance for Guardiola, as it is reportedly one of his personal favourites. Known for its monotone melody and the singer’s solemn expression, the cover was certainly a unique touch.
Pep Guardiola’s lip-synched performance of ‘Aniversari’ by Manel was beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu on Friday night
Barcelona players were suitably attired for the special night, while club president Joan Laporte took pride of place
Barcelona stars of the past and present were in attendance to celebrate the club’s 125th birthday
Owing to City’s pressing commitments, Guardiola was unable to attend the ceremony in person unlike the likes of Frank Rijkaard, Hristo Stoichkov, Xavi Hernandez and Patrick Kluivert.
Barcelona’s current crop of players, who currently sit top of LaLiga, were all suitably attired for the occasion, while club president Joan Laporta took pride of place. There were additional video clips from Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Romario.
The club also unveiled a new mascot, creatively called ‘Cat’ that had been created by famed Catalan siblings Carlos and Jordi Grangel to mark the Blaugrana’s 125th birthday.
Guardiola’s appearance comes amid the worst run of his career. That it amounts to only six games it a testament to his incredible resume. The former Barcelona and Bayer Munich boss is searching for his first win in more than a month.
His side managed to end a run of five consecutive defeats on Tuesday night but their 3-3 draw with Feyenoord perhaps presented the most worrying example of his side’s current failings. City led by 3-0 at home to the Dutch side but conspired to surrender their advantage in the final 15 minutes of the match.
The game was also notable for the appearance, and comments, of the City boss after the final whistle. Guardiola was questioned in his post-match press conference about a cut on his nose, while scratches were also visible on his head and he joked that he wanted to ‘harm himself’ after the collapse.
Guardiola apologised for a comment the next day and insisted that he did not intend to make light of self-harm.
His team have the unenviable task of travelling to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, who have the chance to further burnish their title credentials and move 11 points clear of the defending champions after only 13 games.
Guardiola sparked concern when he appeared after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord with a cut on his nose and scratches on his face
City are winless in their last six matches in all competitions ahead of a trip to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield
He was adamant on Friday night that he will face up to the challenge of reviving his team, saying: ‘People say, “Pep, why is he not in trouble? Why is he not sacked?”
‘But what we have done over the last eight years is why I have this margin.
‘The people here rely on me. The moment I feel I am not positive for the club, another one will come. The club will take the solution, the decision they have to take. But I wanted the opportunity to try.
‘I don’t want to run away. I want to make a rebuild of the team in many aspects from now until the end of the season and next season, to try to continue up there. I have to prove myself now.’
