Guardiola: Rodri, Pedri, and Yamal Can Make the Difference

Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, who departed Manchester City at the end of last season after a highly successful decade with the English club, recently gave an interview to OKX magazine, where he discussed the World Cup.

"At the World Cup, I primarily watch the players I admire. I don't specifically support one team, but rather those whose players I appreciate. If Argentina wins the World Cup, there are many players in that squad whom I know. The same applied to France, and in Portugal, there are footballers whose competence truly impresses me," Guardiola stated.

"If Rodri performs at his usual level in midfield, alongside Pedri, and Lamine Yamal is at his best, they can make the difference in the final," Guardiola offered his recipe for how Spain could win Sunday's final. "Lamine Yamal is returning to good physical condition after his injury. Without a doubt, given his age, he possesses an incredible ability to handle pressure and can single-handedly decide a match," his compatriot affirmed.

Guardiola admitted he needs some time off, having started work at Barcelona at 37 and now being 56. "I need to do new things, but right now I feel very happy. One day I will return to the Etihad. But for now, I prefer to be behind the scenes. Jürgen Klopp was the biggest rival of my career. He was capable of changing his team's system every 20 minutes; he drove me crazy," he shared.