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“His Highness wishes it.”

A silence fell over the conference room at the words of Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the right-hand man and representative of Mansour, the chairman of Manchester City.

“…Then I guess there’s no helping it.”

Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s gaze shifted to one side.

Among the board members awkwardly nodding, there was a man desperately trying to hold back laughter at something amusing.

Ferran Soriano, who had been ousted due to political struggles within the club, had taken on the role of vice president at FC Barcelona and had brought the financially crippled club back to a solid economic footing.

Ferran Soriano, in September of last year,

was appointed CEO of Manchester City as part of the Pep Guardiola recruitment project, just like football director Txiki Begiristain.

At first glance, he seemed just like a guy who had landed a high position thanks to good connections.

But Ferran Soriano was a capable man as well.

Upon becoming CEO, he improved the financially struggling club’s operations, proving his managerial abilities left behind by former CEO Garry Cook’s mismanagement.

The project he was envisioning—a global football club alliance centered around Manchester City that would cultivate players with a similar football philosophy and brand identity—was set to begin with the establishment of New York City FC in May 2013, backed by Mansour’s active financial support.

Could it be because he felt that his dreams were gradually coming true?

“CEO Soriano.”

Ferran Soriano burst into maniacal laughter, oblivious to Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s call.

Thud—

“Get a grip.”

He snapped out of his thoughts only after his close friend, sporting director Txiki Begiristain, nudged him.

“Huh?”

Ferran Soriano, flustered at everyone in the conference room looking at him.

“CEO Soriano.”

“Yes? Yes!”

He startled and reacted when Khaldoon Al Mubarak called him with a chilling expression.

“Can you persuade Pep Guardiola to take charge of Manchester City next season?”

“Yes, it’s possible.”

As Ferran Soriano answered the chairman’s question, he mentally adjusted his plans.

‘If following my original plan, Guardiola would join Manchester City after gaining a bit more experience…’

He hoped Guardiola would take the managerial position once his project had gained enough traction and a stable ecosystem had formed.

But it seemed Mansour was losing patience with unattractive football.

“Well then, I’ll report to His Highness that Pep Guardiola will be appointed next season.”

After the meeting, as Ferran Soriano headed to the CEO office, he recalled his first meeting with Mansour.

The chairman, who particularly loved Pep Guardiola’s football philosophy and displayed his passion for the sport.

However, it wasn’t just his love for football that made him invest.

As can be seen from the majority of clubs he acquired being located around major cities, these investments also involved real estate development.

Mansour’s initial inquiry about acquiring a club was with Arsenal (London), wasn’t it?

“Well, I guess that doesn’t matter.”

Thanks to Mansour, he could pursue the project he had envisioned.

Upon arriving at the CEO office, Ferran Soriano directly contacted Pep Guardiola to convince him.

– Ferran?

Shortly after the phone rang, Pep Guardiola picked up.

“It’s been a while, Pep.”

Back when he was still the vice president at FC Barcelona, Pep Guardiola had joined as the first-team manager, and since then, the two had maintained a very good relationship.

“How have you been?”

– Comfortable and cozy days have passed, so what’s the reason for your call?

After the light small talk and pleasantries,

“Sharing a football philosophy centered around Manchester City…”

Ferran Soriano explained the vision he had in mind to Pep Guardiola.

– …Sounds good.

Feeling a surge of joy at Pep Guardiola’s positive response, Ferran Soriano pressed on.

“Can you take the helm at Manchester City? Your style of football is necessary for the philosophy of the project I’m proposing.”

With momentum on his side, he proposed that Pep Guardiola take the managerial position.

– …Hmm.

As Pep Guardiola’s voice showed clear signs of contemplation,

Ferran Soriano sought to persuade him with what Guardiola desired.

“Pep. The board here, including myself as CEO and Txiki as sporting director, is entirely composed of people for you. You don’t need to engage in any internal politics like when you were at FC Barcelona. Just focus on football.”

Ferran Soriano’s persuasion continued.

“And we can also assist through the agency run by your brother, Pere Guardiola.”

After some time, a response closer to a positive answer came from Pep Guardiola. A smile crept onto Ferran Soriano’s face.

“Do you have any specific players in mind? We can bring in whoever you want.”

Feeling confident in his bold declaration, Ferran Soriano fell silent at Pep Guardiola’s next words.

– Can we also get Leo (Messi’s nickname)?

“…”

– Just kidding.

– For now, I need a smart midfielder.

“Who exactly do you need?”

– İlkay Gündoğan from Dortmund.

– And Gino.

– Ideally, I’d prefer to prioritize signing Gino.

– Oh, the player Fernandinho at FC Shakhtar Donetsk seems good too. I’d like to send a scout to Kevin De Bruyne at SV Werder Bremen as well. Also, sell Balotelli and Tevez, and re-sign David Silva.

Ferran Soriano recalled the performances of the players Pep Guardiola requested.

“Gündoğan, Gino, Fernandinho.”

They were not the type to break down defenses based on flashy footwork, but rather those who excelled in passing plays and positional awareness.

‘At least, Gino is closer to a crack.’

As Ferran Soriano thought of Son Jinho, who recently signed a pro contract with Dortmund showing loyalty and romance,

Pep Guardiola continued speaking.

– And we need a goalkeeper too.

“Isn’t Joe Hart there?”

– He’s a solid goalkeeper who sticks to the basics. But he doesn’t fit the style of football I wish for. I’d prefer a keeper with good feet who can participate in build-up play from the back.

“Do you have a specific goalkeeper in mind?”

– Manuel Neuer.

“…”

As Ferran Soriano fell silent, Pep Guardiola’s laughter rang through the phone.

– I’m not saying I want Manuel Neuer either, but just a keeper who can at least mimic him would suffice.

“Okay. Is that enough?”

– Next, we’ll discuss defenders…

The conversation between the two continued throughout the night to prepare for the upcoming season. Unable to hold back, Ferran Soriano made a blunt remark.

“…I didn’t notice while at Barcelona, but now I see you have an overwhelming number of requests.”

– A good coach is usually greedy.

Perhaps it was because Pep Guardiola’s attitude was much more relaxed now compared to his pressing and sensitive demeanor during his time at Barcelona?

Ferran Soriano couldn’t help but quietly marvel at the changed Pep Guardiola.

– By the way, how do you plan to sign Gino? He doesn’t seem like the kind to act solely for money.

“I’ll start by persuading those around him. As far as I know, he’s having a kid in May, so I should send a Manchester City onesie and other gifts to build some good rapport.”

– Hmm….

“Why do you say that?”

– His wife is a Manchester United fan and his mother-in-law is a Chelsea fan, you see.

“I’m aware of that. So, we just need to make the child a Manchester City fan, right?”

– Puta Madre. Are you the devil?

Ferran Soriano humbly acknowledged Pep Guardiola’s compliments.

“Not quite there yet.”

 

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