Puma has teamed up with Manchester City and Chess.com to publish an exclusive conversation between Spaniard and soccer coach Pep Guardiola and Norwegian and chess player Magnus Carlsen. The Puma ambassadors talked about memorable moments from their careers, explained strategies and tactics in both sports and shared 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,” said Carlsen, five-time world chess champion. “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 analyzed specific goals and moves and emphasized the importance of patience, strategy and adapting to the opponent’s actions. Guardiola emphasized the importance of controlling the midfield in both soccer and chess, while Carlsen highlighted similarities between attacking on one side and creating advantages. They also discuss the role of instinct and unpredictability in success.
The conversation delved into the mental aspects of high-pressure situations, emphasizing the need for calm and adaptability. Both provided insights into their respective fields and demonstrated the strategic thinking and mastery required in soccer and chess. “I think the way you have to take defenders away with the attack depends on the movement of the opponent,” said Guardiola. “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.”
The interview ends with reflections on long matches, with Carlsen recalling a 7.5-hour chess game and Guardiola expressing his admiration for such dedication and focus.
