PUMA BRINGS TWO GENIUSES TOGETHER: GENIUSES TOGETHER AND PEP GUARDIOLA
PUMA BRINGS TWO GENIUSES TOGETHER: MAGNUS CARLSEN AND PEP GUARDIOLA
Cape Town, 12 December 2023 – Global sports company PUMA, together with
Manchester City Football Club and Chess.com, launches an exclusive talk between two
geniuses: Pep Guardiola from the football world and Magnus Carlsen from the chess world.
PUMA’s ambassadors discussed unforgettable moments from their careers, elaborated on
strategies and tactics in both sports, and shared some tips and tricks with fans.
“I have loved football since I was little. I played it every day. I did not come home from
school; I just stayed at the school to play football. Then I came home to play chess. It turned
out that I was better at chess, so I continued to do that”, said Magnus Carlsen, Five-time
World Chess Champion.
Pep and Magnus analysed specific goals and moves, emphasizing the importance of
patience, strategy, and adapting to the opponent’s actions. Guardiola highlights the
significance of controlling the middle in both football and chess, while Carlsen draws
similarities between attacking on one side and creating advantages. They also discuss the
role of instinct and unpredictability in achieving success.
The conversation delves into the mental aspects of high-pressure situations, emphasizing
the need for calmness and adaptability. Both share insights from their respective fields,
showcasing the strategic thinking and mastery required in football and chess. “I think the
way you have to take defenders away with the attack depends on the movement of the
opponent. You must pay attention to what the opponent does in every single movement and
react to that. Magnus has two hours to make the next movement. We have a second to
react or take a decision”, explained Pep.
The conversation concludes with reflections on extended matches, with Carlsen recalling a
7.5-hour chess game and Guardiola expressing admiration for such dedication and focus.
Watch the full interview on PUMA YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5gLm9KSf_RQ. It is
also available on Man City YouTube.
