Joan Laporta - The Return of Pep Guardiola

The Return of Pep Guardiola

After dismissing Frank Rijkaard, Laporta appointed the untested and inexperienced Josep Guardiola, the team captain at the end of the Dream Team era. Guardiola's only experience as a coach was with the B team the previous season (which won promotion from the 4th tier to the 3rd). Although the team started poorly, losing the first match to Numancia and drawing the second, Barcelona had the best season in its history, winning the treble of the League, the Cup, and the Champions League. The Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup followed in August, and the FIFA Club World Cup in December.