At the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala in Zurich, Switzerland on January 9, 2012, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was named “World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football”. The former Barcelona and Spain midfielder had been nominated alongside last year's winner Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid and Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson. This is the first time the 40-year old coach won the award. Guardiola guided the Catalans to five more trophies in 2011 including the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and a third consecutive Spanish La Liga title.
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola poses while receiving Coach of the Year award.
From left, Manchester United Coach Sir Alex Ferguson, Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Xavi of Barcelona during the Press Conference for FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala on January 9, 2012 in Zurich, Switzerland.
Pep Guardiola signed his contract as Barcelona’s coach on 5 June 2008. In his first season as manager, Barcelona won the treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. In doing so, he became the youngest UEFA Champions League winning manager ever
"I want to dedicate this award to the thousands of people who, through more than a hundred years, have worked for FC Barcelona and helped develop one of the best clubs in the world," said Guardiola.
Guardiola wins award getting 201 points for the 112 made by Real Marid’s Jose Mourinho, who is second and 107 Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson. Last year’s winner Mourinho congratulated Barcelona coach “It is deserved award. My hope is that Pep does not have to wait for yours because I’ve won in 2010 and still not have given me. But it is deserved, no doubt.”
Pep Guardiola and wife Cristina Serra and their three children enjoy watching a football match
Cristina Serra and youngest daughter Valentina
Pep Guardiola’s contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2012 but the 40-year-old coach has not decided to extend the contract or not.
From left, Barcelona's Argentine player Lionel Messi, coach Pepe Guardiola and player Xavi pose prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 gala
Related links:
Ballon d'Or 2011: Lionel Messi Wins Third Consecutive Golden Ball (Pictures)
Wayne Rooney Shows Off New Hair On The Red Carpet of Ballon d'Or Gala (Pictures)
Pep Guardiola Wins Coach of The Year At FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala (Pictures)