During a recent press conference ahead of the FA Cup match between Manchester City and Salford City, Spanish manager Pep Guardiola was taken aback by a tactical question posed by BBC journalist Omar Irfan. The question related to a previous article Guardiola had written in 2006 about a match between Spain and Tunisia, where he had discussed the challenges of managing space when players retreat too quickly. Irfan cleverly connected past insights with Guardiola's current strategy involving a flexible attacking quartet.

Irfan asked Guardiola how he balances the hectic midfield when players retreat and how he trains his current players, including notable names such as Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku, to maneuver in tight spaces without creating congestion on the field. This question not only showcased Irfan's deep understanding of Guardiola's tactical philosophy but also highlighted the evolving nature of football management.

Guardiola responded with humor, acknowledging the depth of the analysis and jokingly asking if Irfan wanted to be his assistant. This exchange illustrates the respect between the coach and the media, and how insightful questions can enhance the narrative surrounding a football match, demonstrating the importance of tactical discussions in football reporting.