Pep Guardiola pays heartfelt tribute to ‘incredible’ Terry Venables and labels the former Barcelona manager as a ‘true gentleman’ following his tragic death aged 80

• Former England and Barcelona manager Venables died at the age of 80 
• Pep Guardiola has paid a heartfelt tribute to the former England manager 
• Inside Ange’s Spurs: Listen to It’s All Kicking Off on how he transformed the club 

Pep Guardiola became the latest football icon to pay tribute to former Barcelona and England manager Terry Venables who passed away, aged 80, on Saturday.

It was announced on Sunday that Venables, who also managed Tottenham, Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace, had died following a long illness.

Immediately afterwards, tributes began pouring in – from players, pundits and clubs. Spurs also held a minute’s silence and wore black armbands prior to kick-off against Aston Villa. 

Now, the Manchester City manager – who once appeared in an iconic photo alongside Venables during his stint in Barcelona – has reflected on the football icon.

Speaking at a press conference, the Man City boss said: ‘As a Barcelona fan he gave us the La Liga after 11, 12 years. 

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Terry Venables during his recent press conference

Former England and Barcelona manager Terry Venables has passed away, aged 80

An entranced Pep Guardiola (left) looks on as Terry Venables is carried from the pitch in triumph after Barcelona defeated IFK Gothenburg to reach the 1986 European Cup final

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‘His impact was incredible there, [he] introduce something never before. A certain type of pressing and the set pieces – how many goals the centre back scored. 

‘A true gentleman, people live with him. I was a ball boy, just gave balls to his players. Unfortunately couldn’t win the Champions League in that time against Steaua. 

‘A big loss for English football, thoughts to his family. I read a lot how many players talk about him, really impressed’.

‘In that time I was 13, 14, the first time I saw us win the La Liga, many years not possible. The impact in that short time, was not long, but the impact in the way they play – I remember talking to friends of mine who played with him. 

‘Not just as a manager, but as a person so funny. In programmes, singing and dancing. A proper man. I’m so sorry for his family’.

Guardiola, who was attending a pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s clash with RB Leipzig on Tuesday night, also reflected on his personal relationship – or lack thereof – with Venables. 

Asking of Venables’ influence, he said: ‘Not much, I was 13 so not thinking I would get to play for Barcelona and not for a second to be a manager. 

‘I see the game… like, they run a lot, pressing, set pieces. So physical team and changed shapes. I thought how fun [it] is [to see] my clubs winning games. 

‘After I learn it, I saw Gary Neville and Gary Lineker, and Southgate, you realise the impact was important’.

Venables (R) with assistant Allan Harris and striker Steve Archibald at the Nou Camp in 1984

Venables is fondly remember at Barcelona having ended their league title drought in 1985

England legends such as Lineker, Neville and Alan Shearer posted heartfelt messages on social media platform X in memory of Venables on Sunday. 

Lineker spent two years at Tottenham under Venables, and was also signed by the manager for Barcelona from Everton in 1986.

Meanwhile both Shearer and Neville were part of the England setup under the former Spurs and Chelsea player. 

Lineker said: ‘Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for. 

‘He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend. He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry. ‘ 

Shearer posted: ‘Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.’ 

Manchester United legend Gary Neville posted a long and emotional message hailing Venables as ‘my number one England coach in my whole career.’ 

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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