Players who played for both Mourinho and Guardiola
When two of football’s most influential managers—José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola—have been at the helm of some of the biggest clubs in the world, it’s only natural that a select few players have had the privilege of working under both. Each of these players experienced different philosophies from two giants of the managerial world, adapting to Mourinho’s pragmatic approach and Guardiola’s intricate possession-based tactics.
In this article, we’ll delve into the careers of the players who have been fortunate enough to work under both Mourinho and Guardiola, exploring their achievements, challenges, and how these managerial experiences shaped their careers.
1. Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben had the fortune of working under both Mourinho and Guardiola during pivotal points in his career. Under Mourinho at Chelsea (2004–2007), Robben won two English Premier League titles, a League Cup, and an FA Cup. Mourinho appreciated Robben’s directness, often using him to break down stubborn defenses. Robben’s time at Chelsea was marked by explosive performances, though injuries limited his consistency.
In contrast, Robben’s time under Guardiola at Bayern Munich (2013–2016) showcased his evolution into a more complete player. Guardiola’s possession-based style demanded greater tactical discipline and off-the-ball movement from the Dutch winger. Robben thrived, contributing significantly to Bayern’s domestic dominance and deep runs in the Champions League.]
2. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne’s career trajectory skyrocketed once he united with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, his time with Mourinho at Chelsea (2013) was less favorable. De Bruyne found limited opportunities under Mourinho, with the Portuguese manager citing a lack of defensive work rate as the reason. As a result, De Bruyne was sold to Wolfsburg, where he blossomed into one of Europe’s finest playmakers.
When De Bruyne joined Guardiola at Manchester City in 2016, he finally reached his full potential. Guardiola gave him the freedom to orchestrate City’s attack, and De Bruyne responded with consistently brilliant performances, becoming a two-time PFA Player of the Year. His creativity, vision, and passing have been pivotal to City’s domestic and European successes, proving that Guardiola’s philosophy was a perfect match for his style.
3. Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o enjoyed great success under both managers but in vastly different circumstances. At Barcelona, Eto’o played a crucial role in Guardiola’s treble-winning team in 2009. Despite his remarkable goal-scoring record, including in the Champions League final, Guardiola was keen to move him on due to tactical differences. Nonetheless, Eto’o’s success under Pep cemented his place in the pantheon of Barcelona legends.
In contrast, Mourinho’s Inter Milan became the perfect home for Eto’o in 2009. Mourinho reshaped Eto’o’s game, often using him in a more defensive role, especially in the famous 2010 UEFA Champions League campaign where Inter knocked out Guardiola’s Barcelona. Eto’o’s versatility and selflessness under Mourinho led Inter to a historic treble, showcasing his ability to thrive in contrasting tactical setups.
4. Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso is a rare example of a player who excelled under both Mourinho’s counter-attacking football at Real Madrid and Guardiola’s possession-oriented play at Bayern Munich. Mourinho relied heavily on Alonso’s intelligence and long-range passing to transition quickly from defense to attack. His deep-lying playmaking role was crucial to Real Madrid’s La Liga triumph in 2012, where they broke several records for goals scored.
Under Guardiola at Bayern Munich, Alonso adapted his game to the intricate positional play that Pep demanded. He became a metronome in midfield, dictating the tempo and providing a solid platform for Bayern’s forward play. Despite the stylistic differences between the two managers, Alonso was able to seamlessly transition, proving his tactical intelligence and adaptability.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Few players have had as high-profile experiences with both Mourinho and Guardiola as Zlatan Ibrahimović. His time under Guardiola at Barcelona (2009–2010) was fraught with tension. Despite scoring 21 goals in his debut season, Ibrahimović clashed with Guardiola over tactical roles, and their relationship deteriorated quickly. Ibrahimović later criticized Guardiola for not utilizing his strengths effectively, leading to his swift departure from the Camp Nou.
With Mourinho, however, Ibrahimović found a manager who appreciated his personality and style. Their time together at Inter Milan and Manchester United brought success. At Inter, he won multiple domestic titles, and at United, he won the Europa League and EFL Cup. Ibrahimović often speaks fondly of Mourinho, crediting him for creating an environment where he could thrive.
6. Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas’ playing style made him a unique fit for both managers at different stages of his career. At Barcelona, under Guardiola (2011–2014), Fàbregas played in various roles, from attacking midfield to false nine. Guardiola’s tactical flexibility allowed Fàbregas to flourish, though he was often overshadowed by the brilliance of Xavi and Iniesta in midfield.
His time under Mourinho at Chelsea (2014–2015) was more straightforward. Mourinho used Fàbregas in a deeper midfield role, where his passing range and creativity were instrumental in Chelsea’s Premier League title win in 2015. Fàbregas delivered numerous assists to Diego Costa, demonstrating his ability to adapt to Mourinho’s pragmatic but efficient system.
7. Pedro
Pedro, one of Guardiola’s most trusted players at Barcelona, enjoyed a glittering spell under Pep, winning numerous titles, including the Champions League. His versatility and work rate were key to Guardiola’s pressing system, and he often delivered in crucial moments, including scoring in the 2011 Champions League final.
When Pedro moved to Chelsea under Mourinho in 2015, he was less of a central figure but still played an important role in the squad. Though Mourinho’s time at Chelsea was short-lived, Pedro contributed to Chelsea’s domestic success in subsequent years, showcasing his resilience and ability to adapt to different managerial demands.
8. Alexis Sánchez
Alexis Sánchez was another player to experience both Mourinho and Guardiola’s unique managerial styles. Under Guardiola at Barcelona (2011–2012), Alexis played primarily as a winger and occasionally as a forward. His explosive pace and dribbling skills were a perfect match for Guardiola’s pressing game, and he contributed to Barcelona’s La Liga and Copa del Rey successes during his time there.
Mourinho, however, brought out a different side of Alexis at Manchester United (2018). While his time at Old Trafford wasn’t as prolific as expected, Mourinho often relied on Alexis’ work rate and creativity to unlock defenses. Injuries and inconsistency marred his performances, but he still managed to score key goals in Mourinho’s tactical setup.
9. Claudio Pizarro
The Peruvian legend Claudio Pizarro had a long and illustrious career, playing for some of Europe’s top clubs. His time under Guardiola at Bayern Munich (2013–2014) was marked by his role as an experienced squad player, offering depth and leadership during Bayern’s domestic dominance. Guardiola valued Pizarro’s professionalism and ability to score important goals despite limited playing time.
Under Mourinho at Chelsea (2007–2008), Pizarro was less successful, struggling to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League and Mourinho’s demanding style. His time at Chelsea was short-lived, but it added another chapter to his long European career.
10. Eidur Gudjohnsen
Eidur Gudjohnsen’s career took him from Chelsea under Mourinho to Barcelona under Guardiola, where he experienced very different roles under the two managers. At Chelsea (2004–2006), Mourinho used Gudjohnsen as a versatile forward, often playing him in deeper roles to link midfield and attack. Gudjohnsen played a key part in Chelsea’s back-to-back Premier League titles, providing goals and assists.
At Barcelona (2006–2009), Gudjohnsen’s role under Guardiola was more limited as the team was packed with attacking talent. He became a squad player but still managed to contribute to the team’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs, showcasing his adaptability and professionalism.
11. Maxwell
Maxwell is one of the most decorated footballers, having won league titles under both Mourinho and Guardiola. Under Mourinho at Inter Milan (2008–2009), Maxwell was part of the squad that dominated Serie A. His versatility allowed him to play both as a left-back and in midfield, and Mourinho appreciated his tactical intelligence.
When Guardiola took over at Barcelona (2009–2012), Maxwell was signed to add depth to the defense. While not always a starter, Maxwell’s technical ability fit well with Guardiola’s system, and he contributed to Barcelona’s historic 2010–2011 Champions League victory.
12. Nathan Aké
Nathan Aké is one of the more recent players to have worked under both Mourinho and Guardiola. At Chelsea under Mourinho (2012–2015), Aké was a promising youngster who broke into the first team but didn’t get much game time due to the abundance of senior defenders. Mourinho, however, praised his potential and versatility.
Aké’s development truly took off when he joined Manchester City under Guardiola in 2020. Guardiola’s faith in Aké’s ball-playing abilities and tactical awareness has seen him become a key figure in City’s defensive setup, particularly during their 2022–2023 treble-winning campaign. Under Guardiola, Aké has flourished into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
13. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s career began at Bayern Munich, where he worked under Guardiola from 2013 to 2015. Guardiola was impressed by Højbjerg’s tactical understanding at a young age, using him as a versatile midfielder in various positions. Although Højbjerg didn’t feature regularly in Guardiola’s star-studded Bayern team, he gained valuable experience during this period.
Højbjerg united with Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur in 2020. Mourinho saw in Højbjerg the perfect midfield enforcer, utilizing his tenacity, work rate, and tactical discipline. Højbjerg became a key player under Mourinho, anchoring Spurs’ midfield and providing the grit and determination Mourinho craves from his players.
14. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Bastian Schweinsteiger was a legendary figure at Bayern Munich and had the unique experience of playing under Guardiola during the twilight of his career. Under Pep (2013–2015), Schweinsteiger was a key cog in Bayern’s midfield, where his leadership and passing range were invaluable to Guardiola’s tactical plans. Schweinsteiger’s ability to control the tempo of matches made him a trusted lieutenant for Guardiola during Bayern’s Bundesliga triumphs.
Later in his career, Schweinsteiger joined Mourinho at Manchester United in 2016. Unfortunately, his time under Mourinho was marred by injuries and limited playing opportunities. Despite this, Schweinsteiger remained a respected figure in the dressing room, even if his contributions on the pitch were fewer than expected.
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