@FootynewsThat first talk between Victor Valdés and Guardiola happened inside the manager's office at Camp Nou, where Pep grabbed a tactics board to explain something that sounded like absolute madness. He placed two pieces representing center-backs right on the goal line next to Valdés' net and asked if the keeper knew what they were. When Valdés admitted he didn't get it, Guardiola clarified that he wanted those defenders playing there whenever his team had possession. The instruction felt crazy to the goalkeeper initially, but he recognized the same unconventional mindset in the coach. Valdés pushed back by pointing out that for this to work, the team has to make the defenders actually want the ball because receiving it in that spot requires desire. Guardiola just told him not to worry about that part, promising he would take care of making sure the players wanted to receive the pass.

@FootynewsThat first talk between Victor Valdés and Guardiola happened inside the manager's office at Camp Nou, where Pep grabbed a tactics board to explain something that sounded like absolute madness. He placed two pieces representing center-backs right on the goal line next to Valdés' net and asked if the keeper knew what they were. When Valdés admitted he didn't get it, Guardiola clarified that he wanted those defenders playing there whenever his team had possession. The instruction felt crazy to the goalkeeper initially, but he recognized the same unconventional mindset in the coach. Valdés pushed back by pointing out that for this to work, the team has to make the defenders actually want the ball because receiving it in that spot requires desire. Guardiola just told him not to worry about that part, promising he would take care of making sure the players wanted to receive the pass.