RIP Tiki Taka: 2008-2016

When Pep Guardiola became manager of Barcelona in 2008, he revolutionized the game forever, and became the epitome of both knowledge and simplicity. His ‘tiki-taka’ brand of football swept the globe, and brought about a Renaissance Period. Xavi was Da Vinci, Iniesta was Michelangelo, Messi was William Shakespeare. No one perfected it like they did, and they reaped the rewards for their revolution: a total of 14 trophies in the span of 4 years. Everyone fell in love with their artistry. It was poetry in motion; it was simplicity in elegance.

There were levels to it for sure, but in the end it was simple. A 4-3-3 formation that created triangles for passing lanes, so there was always an option. If you keep the ball, they can’t score. Simple enough. Even at 13 years old, I was being taught the tactics of a professional level Spanish manager. These geometric passing lanes seemed impossible to stop. It was beautiful too. Seeing Barcelona pass around teams with ease was mesmerizing.

This domination at the top carried over from Spain over to Germany with ease, and Pep Guardiola was the leader of this new Renaissance. Everyone wanted to be Barcelona, and whoever said they didn’t was lying. This was especially personified on the International level with Spain, dominating the 2008 and 2012 Euros and of course the 2010 World Cup.

However, this domination creates enemies. Opposing kingdoms that want to stop the kingdom. A bull charged into the Premier League to stop this free-flowing style, and his name is Antonio Conte.