Flashback: Pep Guardiola's failed drug test in 2001 This weekend will be remembered in Germany for Bayern Munich equalling the Bundesliga record for unbeaten games, but it also heralds an unwelcome anniversary for their coach. After a successful playing career at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola went to play in Serie A, with Brescia. A few months into his new career he tested positive for the steroid nandrolone following a 5-0 defeat to Lazio. The Spaniard had also been found with it in his system after a league match against Piacenza two weeks previously and, despite vehemently protesting his innocence, received a four-month ban. Several leading players tested positive for the drug, which can appear in dietary supplements, at that time. Most served short bans and got on with their careers. Guardiola, unhappy at the tarnishing of his reputation, campaigned against the verdict long after he had served his ban, left Serie A, and completed spells in Doha and Mexico. In 2007 he was exonerated by the Italian FA but had to prove his innocence again when Italy's anti-doping authorities reopened the case. Then Barcelona coach, he was finally cleared of all charges in 2009.