Venables took charge at the Camp Nou in 1984 and enjoyed three fruitful years in Catalonia, including the club’s first La Liga title in 11 seasons during the 1984/85 campaign.
A teenage Guardiola was a promising youngster in Barcelona’s academy and a ball boy for the first team at the time.
Speaking in his press conference on Monday ahead of our Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, our boss spoke of the joy Venables gave to Barcelona fans and the tactics he used to achieve that success.
“When I was a Barca fan he gave us La Liga, I think the first in 11 years. His impact was incredible there,” he said.
“He introduced something that hadn’t been before, a certain type of pressing and set pieces. For example, I remember how many goals the central defenders scored.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t win the Champions League in that tie in the final against Steaua Bucharest.
“A true gentleman, the people lived with him. I remember talking to players who played with him, not just as a manager but as a person he was so funny. He was on programmes, singing, Frank Sinatra and things. He was a proper man. I’m so sorry for his family.
“He’s a big loss for English football, his family and wide. I’ve read a lot in the last 24 hours and how many players talk about him is really impressive. Condolences to all his family.”
