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Take the Ball, Pass the Ball

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Take the Ball, Pass the Ball

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Summary

Documentary that traces the remarkable successes of football team FC Barcelona under the management of Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Terry Staunton

Prior to coaching Manchester City to a haul of 20-plus trophies, Pep Guardiola was the tactical maestro of a Barcelona side many pundits considered the best the world has seen. This documentary, based on a book by journalist Graham Hunter, takes a deeper dive into the Spanish giants' triumphs, suggesting their success from 2008-12 stemmed from a footballing "philosophy" developed by Dutch star Johan Cruyff during his spell as manager in the 1980s and 90s. Past and present players talk about the club's cerebral approach to the game (they have a "director of methodology" on the payroll) and how many of its terrace heroes were moulded into shape as teenagers in the youth squad. Established names like Thierry Henry, who joined later in their careers, are candid about their initial difficulties adjusting to the system. The revelatory interviews are punctuated by thrilling archive match footage, and Guardiola's headline-grabbing mind games with José Mourinho, his opposite number at rivals Real Madrid, provide a fun and fascinating subplot.

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7.9/10

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Credits

Crew

rolenameDirectorDuncan McMath

Details

Released on

2018-11-12

Languages

English | Catalan | Spanish

Guidance

Swearing

Formats

Colour

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