The Spectre of Pep Guardiola - book launch with Jon Mackenzie
Exploring the evolution of modern football tactics through the prism of the greatest manager of the last 20 years: Pep Guardiola
Join Stanchion Books for the launch of The Spectre of Pep: How Guardiola Haunts Modern Football Tactics by Jon Mackenzie, chaired by Joe Devine, host and Creative Director at Tifo.
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The book:
A spectre is haunting European football. Watch almost any game, no matter the level, and you will notice it. From inverted full backs to extreme high lines, the tactical threads of the match will eventually converge onto a singular point: Pep Guardiola.
For some though, his near total dominance has come at the cost of the game itself, with modern football's protagonists caught between acknowledging Guardiola's greatness and wanting to evolve the sport beyond him. In The Spectre of Pep, acclaimed tactics writer Jon Mackenzie explores this contradiction.
But this is much more than the story of just one man. After tracing Guardiola's ascendancy, displacing giants like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, it examines how other elite coaches have fought to establish their own legacies within this landscape - including the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, and Mikel Arteta. And with his time at Manchester City coming to an end - in a world where his influence is arguably diminishing - it also speculates on what the next generation of tactics may look like, and how Guardiola's legacy will be viewed in the future.
If you want to understand football today, you have to understand the tactical spectre of Pep Guardiola. To do that, you need this book.
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The venue:
The Blue Monk is a sanctuary for artists and fans who are tired of flashy gimmicks and London’s soaring prices. They focus on what actually matters: local decent beers, a welcoming atmosphere, and a "music venue done properly" ethos. Whether you’re a jazz purist, a blues enthusiast, or looking for the next big indie or rock act, you’ve found your local.
The Blue Monk has step-free access at the front and an accessible disabled toilet. The event takes place on the mezzanine, and there is no lift or alternative access, other than the staircase. If you have any questions about accessibility, please email hello@stanchionbooks.com.
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Can't make the event?:
If you are not able to make the event, you can still preorder a signed copy of The Spectre of Pep: How Guardiola Haunts Modern Football Tactics by Jon Mackenzie, just click the link below:
Orders are sent via tracked shipping, and we ship worldwide.