The evening of May 29, 2021 will live long in the memory of both Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel. The night in Porto ended with Chelsea lifting their second Champions League trophy while Manchester City were left forlorn after an excruciating maiden final defeat.
Tuchel, just four months into his tenure, was hailed as a master pragmatist while Guardiola was accused of choking after a five-year build-up to City’s biggest ever match.
But fast forward 15 months later and it’s the German who has been dismissed by his club. After the European success, Chelsea went on to win the Super Cup and Club World Cup but fell to Liverpool in two finals on penalties in the League Cup and FA Cup last season. READ MORE: Chelsea sack manager Thomas Tuchel Meanwhile, Guardiola lifted his fourth Premier League title by pipping the Reds by a single point.
It’s fine margins that decide glory but longevity that defines greatness. Guardiola has not escaped bumps in the road himself, though, namely in Europe – who can forget last season’s late capitulation against eventual Champions League winners Real Madrid.