Pep Guardiola showed off his versatility during Manchester City’s pre-season tour in the USA, as a clip of the manager playing basketball quickly went viral. The footage, shared by the club on X, captured Guardiola taking a break from football to practice his jump shot, delighting fans with his playful side.

The Cityzens have been hard at work preparing for the 2024-25 season, with their tour featuring thrilling fixtures. Despite an unexpected 4-3 loss to Celtic on July 23, Guardiola’s squad remains focused as they gear up for matches against AC Milan (July 27), Barcelona (July 30), and Chelsea (August 3).

Fans on social media were quick to react, with many praising Guardiola’s competitive spirit, even when swapping footballs for basketballs. The clip provided a lighthearted glimpse of the manager’s ability to excel in more than just his iconic role on the sidelines.

The legendary manager hit three shots in a row, leaving fans amazed. One user @AkanjiSZN_ wrote:

“Pep has the hoops. Bro might go and coach an NBA team anytime soon.”

Another user @pathofsuccess22 added:

“Wow Pep! Good shooter haha!”Here are some more fan reactions (via X):”Is there anything he can’t do!” @Alpha_Yom exclaimed.”Pep is a genius,” @XyPeculiar claimed.”Bro’s good at everything,” @Nicodeczy lauded the Spaniard.”Versatility. Other managers can’t relate,” @yours_sylva noted.”Pep always high on energy,” @RC___writes added.”Pep ready to coach any NBA team,” @Itzpelumi asserted.”I’m not even exaggerating when I say that I believe this guy would win in the NFL and the NBA if he put his mind to it. Lol,” @Locomolotion claimed.”Is there something this fella can’t do; he’s the most amazing coach ever,” @EmmanuelSarfoG4 concluded.

When Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla claimed that Pep Guardiola’s tactics helped him win the NBA title

NBA side Boston Celtics’ head coach Joe Mazzulla once claimed that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was a huge influence on him. He mentioned that the Spaniard’s insights were invaluable in helping his side overcome the Dallas Mavericks in the 2023-24 NBA Finals series.

The Celtics beat the Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 (June 17) to win the best-of-seven series 4-1, lifting their first NBA title in 16 years. In the press conference after their victory, Mazzulla said (via CentreGoals on X):

“Dallas has one of the smartest defences. We had to be creative. Pep [Guardiola] helped me in transitions and how to move the guys.”

Mazzulla has had a long-standing admiration for Guardiola and has always been open bout the 53-year-old’s impact on global sports. Speaking to the Athletic in February 2024, he said (via New York Times):

“I study a lot of Man City. I study Pep a lot. I think he’s the best coach at any level, in any sport. It’s had a huge influence [on me].”