Elimination from the Champions League after the failed trades of Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
And, most crucially, six consecutive losses in El Clásico.
This was the backdrop as Guardiola entered the press conference.
President Laporta had arranged the event as a sign of respect, but if Guardiola had been just another manager with no deep ties to Barcelona, he would have left with nothing more than a brief, pitiful interview.
Clang—
The moment Guardiola appeared, impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit, camera flashes erupted.
President Laporta, waiting beside the press, took his hand.
"Take it easy. If you cry, those of us staying behind won't feel at ease."
"Thank you for your consideration."
Laporta and other club executives were present.
In a professional world dictated by money and performance, this was the highest display of loyalty possible.
The press conference began on a solemn note as Guardiola took the microphone.
---
"This is Pep Guardiola. First of all, I want to express my thoughts, hoping you will understand the sudden decision made by both myself and the club. In truth, this was not something decided overnight. It was the result of months of agony and deliberation. After our elimination from the Champions League and another El Clásico defeat, I had to face the truth. Since last December, there have been voices saying I am not fit to lead Barcelona."
For once, Guardiola let his bitterness show.
"What pains me the most is that my own mistakes led the fans to feel that way. I denied it at the time, but now, I have no choice but to admit it. That is why I have decided to resign at the end of this season. I'm not someone who enjoys giving interviews, but I know the fans have many questions, so I will answer as many as possible."
As planned, pre-selected reporters were given the chance to ask questions.
One, unable to hold back his curiosity, spoke first.
"Is your resignation related to conflicts with the players? Also, do you have anything to say about Messi, who is currently refusing to speak to the media?"
It was the question that soccer fans around the world were most eager to have answered.
Were the rumors about a 'faction' forming around Messi true, or was it just media slander?
Guardiola did not hesitate.
"The players have done nothing wrong. They have supported me through everything that has happened here. I have been under enormous media pressure every single day for the past two years, and it is the players who kept me motivated to continue as a coach. I will never forget the time we spent training and preparing for matches together.
As for Messi—he is still at Barcelona. He is special to me. Just because he has not given an interview does not mean his character should be judged. He has always been the best and will continue to be. Busquets, Abidal, Keita, Puyol... they have all been incredible examples to me, even though I was their coach."
It was a classic Guardiola response—humble, composed.
---
"So, are you satisfied with your time at Barcelona?"
"My time at the club has been wonderful. However, in professional football, results speak for themselves. In that sense, I failed. The biggest failure was not being able to bring satisfaction and happiness to the fans."
By now, Guardiola's eyes had turned red.
No matter how much he tried to remain composed, the weight of leaving like this was overwhelming.
Even he could hardly believe it.
He had given everything to football—more passion and effort than anyone—but this was the result.
The press conference continued under a heavy atmosphere.
Then came the final question.
"What are your next steps?"
Guardiola took a deep breath before speaking.
"I will leave football."
"...!"
A shocking statement.
A murmur spread through the room.
Guardiola remained firm.
"It took a great deal of courage to make this decision. But I will not change my mind. My time has come. My passion for football remains, but from now on, I will step back and watch from the sidelines."
The room fell silent.
Finally, a journalist, a lifelong Barcelona fan, asked hesitantly:
"You're not saying you'll leave forever, are you?"
"..."
Even he wasn't sure.
Part of him was already thinking about which team to manage next, but another part wanted to leave football behind entirely.
He couldn't give a definite answer.
"I have nothing to say at this time."
A heavy silence followed his words.
Then, one reporter spoke candidly.
"I hope you don't blame yourself. There are countless people around the world who love your football and draw inspiration from it. I truly hope to see you back on the field someday. Best of luck, coach."
"Thank you."
And so, Guardiola's era came to an end.
No, the era of the Barcelona dynasty that should have been—disappeared before it could even begin.
The only trophy won since he took charge in August 2008 was the Copa del Rey.
A disappointing result.
Yet, no one could deny that he had sent shockwaves through the football world.
---
[Pep Guardiola to resign at season's end. Final mission: Copa del Rey]
[What's next for Guardiola? Manchester City rumored as a destination]
[Pep's agent: "No negotiations with any club this year."]
[Did Messi push Guardiola out?]
---
April 12, Valdebebas.
There's a saying: "Your enemy's sorrow is your joy."
But when Real Madrid players heard of Guardiola's resignation, their emotions were complicated.
It should have been a moment to celebrate—Barcelona's biggest obstacle was gone.
Yet, as fellow footballers, they understood how painful such a decision must have been.
Especially for Hoyoung.
'Pep's life changed because of me.'
When he first started playing football eight years ago, he never imagined the world would change this much.
His talent—something granted by the devil Mammon—had turned out to be far greater than he ever expected.
And now, he was the one responsible for driving Guardiola out of the football world.
It felt like bidding farewell to a revolutionary.
There are those who leave at the height of applause and those who should never leave, no matter the applause.
Pep belonged to the latter category.
At least, that's what Hoyoung believed.
A strange feeling settled within him.
Was it guilt?
As a fellow player and as a human being, it weighed on his heart.
But this was only the beginning.
'More will change in the future.'
One thing was certain—a storm was coming.
One that wouldn't just affect a few people, but shake the entire football world.
And for the first time, Hoyoung felt it deep in his bones.
Even Raul noticed his unease.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing."
"Then why do you look like that? Or are you nervous like the coach?"
"Nervous?"
"There's a high chance we'll beat Lyon and make the Champions League final. Coach Scolari won't show it, but he's already excited. That's why he's even more nervous."
"Coach?"
"Assistant coach Rubén says he comes to work every morning with a huge grin."
"Haha. So the coach has that side to him too."
Yes, this was it.
All the people who had crossed his path—Cha Bum-kun, Carlos, Kaká, Zidane, Ronaldo, Bernd, Scolari...
He had given hope and joy to countless football fans.
Of course, there were those who opposed him, but dwelling on them was pointless.
This was Hoyoung's fate.
'Stay positive.'
He exhaled slowly.
And as always, Raul was there to ground him.
"Thanks."
"For what?"
"For keeping things light."
"Don't get sentimental. Just focus on training. We can't underestimate Lyon."
"Of course."
---
April 21, Santiago Bernabéu.
The first leg of the Champions League semifinals.
The opponent: Olympique Lyonnais.
They had dominated French football for years, but against Real Madrid, they were no match.
Crash!
[Goooal! Gonzalo Higuaín scores within five minutes!]
Madrid secured an easy 2-0 victory.
And soon, their final opponent was set.
[Mourinho's Inter crush Bayern! The treble is in sight!]
May 22nd, at the Santiago Bernabéu—the stage was set for the grand finale.
---
Fortunately, the second match against Lyon, held in Lyon, France, on April 27th, proceeded without any problems.
Although several players suffered injuries, they were not serious, and thanks to maintaining good condition, they were able to secure a 1-1 draw and confidently advance to the final.
And the final opponent was decided the very next day.
[Mourinho's Inter, led by Milito's brace, dismantles Bayern Munich.]
[Mourinho's Inter, on the verge of a historic treble, set to clash with Real Madrid for European supremacy.]
The grand showdown was set.
Saturday, May 22nd.
At the Santiago Bernabéu, the stage was ready for the 2009-2010 Champions League final.