After getting his 21st victory with Manchester City, Pep Guardiola can start dreaming to shatter one of Johan Cruyff’s all-time records soon.
Pep Guardiola is arguably Johan Cruyff’s most advanced pupil. Out of all the managers who practice the Total Football style that became famous during the ‘70s decade, perhaps Pep is the one who evolved the philosophy. Ever since he became a professional football manager, the Catalan coach always gave Johan Cruyff the most credit. Without his teachings, perhaps we would have a very different manager today.
As far as the winning streak today goes, Pep needs to surpass another two managers before getting to Cruyff. Between the start and the end of 2014, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid got a whopping 22 consecutive victories in all competitions. That’s the next target for Guardiola’s Manchester City. After that, Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich got 23 straight wins last season for Bayern Munich. If Pep gets to win these two matches, the next in line is Johan Cruyff.
Cruyff got this record in 1972.
You might think this record happened when Johan Cruyff was a manager, but you would be wrong to assume that. This all-time milestone came during Johan’s era as a player. As the 1971-72 season progressed, we say AFC Ajax get an incredible 26 straight victories in all competitions. Keep in mind that this squad won three straight European Cups during that era, they were virtually invincible.
Rinus Michels was the manager who implemented the Total Football philosophy in a young Johan Cruyff. From that moment forward, this offensive football style has done nothing but evolve as time goes by. It would be nice to see Pep getting past that record and improve upon what his mentor cemented all those decades ago. Can Guardiola accomplish this feat? The first rival to get there will be none other than Manchester United at Etihad Stadium next weekend.
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