An alternative analysis of the World Cup – by the man who helped shape Guardiola’s City

Source: nytimes.com

Juanma Lillo penned this piece right after the Qatar World Cup, questioning the hyper-analytical mindset dominating football. He argues the sport has lost its emotional spark and natural joy to endless "whys" and rigid systems. It matters because his rethink could nudge the game back toward spontaneity and player freedom.