Two Geniuses Together: When Magnus Carlsen Met Pep Guardiola
One is the greatest chess player of his generation, perhaps of all time, and the other is the greatest football strategist of his generation—perhaps also of all time.
This was the moment Norway's chess superstar GM Magnus Carlsen met face-to-face over a chessboard with one of the biggest names in world football, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Carlsen is busy battling it out in Chess.com's Champions Chess Tour Finals in Toronto right now, but before the event the pair were brought together by the global sports company PUMA to talk about what it's like at the pinnacle of their respective games.
Both are PUMA ambassadors and they took the opportunity to discuss unforgettable moments from their careers, elaborate on strategies and tactics in both sports, and share tips and tricks with fans.
Carlsen, whose fellow countryman Erling Haaland plays for Manchester City under Guardiola, is a known football fan. Carlsen's own allegiances lie with Real Madrid but, Chess.com understands, he has visited Manchester City's Etihad Stadium to watch them play.
“I have loved football since I was little," the five-time world chess champion said. "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."
Guardiola and Carlsen used the meeting to analyze specific goals and moves, emphasizing the importance of patience, strategy, and adapting to the opponent's actions.
Guardiola highlighted the significance of controlling the middle/center in both football and chess, while Carlsen drew similarities between attacking on one side and creating advantages.
They also discussed the role of instinct and unpredictability in achieving success. The conversation delved 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,” Guardiola explained.
The conversation concluded with reflections on extended matches, with Carlsen recalling his epic 136-move win in game six of the 2021 world championship against GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. That game, the longest world championship game of all time, lasted 7.5 hours. Guardiola expressed his admiration for such dedication and focus.
Guardiola has gone on record many times about his interest in chess. Back in 2012 when he was on a football sabbatical, the 52-year-old even sought the advice of chess great GM Garry Kasparov to improve his understanding of how to perform under intense pressure.
Kasparov reportedly said he had given up the ghost against a then 22-year-old Norwegian challenger. That player was, of course, Carlsen.
You can watch the full interview on the Man City or PUMA's YouTube channels.
