Former Italian striker Luca Toni recently had a light-hearted but telling conversation with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. During a dinner, Toni jokingly told Guardiola that he “ruined football” with the introduction of the False 9 tactic. Toni humorously claimed that he couldn’t find a team for four years because of this tactical innovation.
This exchange highlights the significant impact Guardiola’s tactical approaches have had on the game. The False 9, a position where the striker drops deep and acts more like a midfielder, has been a hallmark of Guardiola’s teams and has influenced football tactics globally.
It’s worth noting that Toni and Guardiola have a history together, having played at Brescia alongside the legendary Roberto Baggio. This shared past adds a layer of camaraderie to their current interaction, making the joke even more endearing.
Toni’s career was marked by his powerful presence on the field and his ability to score crucial goals, particularly in his later years with Hellas Verona. Despite the humorous tone of his comment, it reflects the broader discussion about how tactical innovations can affect player roles and team dynamics.
