Its reach into the grassroots game was astonishing. To be taken seriously, to be on the Guardiola train, coaches at all levels had to break the news to defenders and goalkeepers. From now on, they said, we don’t clear our lines, knock it long or panic in possession. Oh no. We play to feet, move into space, hold our nerve and pass coolly from one end to the other. It became a badge of honour.