Pep Guardiola has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson as football’s greatest-ever manager and expressed that he has no intention of staying at Manchester City just to surpass the legendary former Manchester United boss. After it was revealed that Ferguson had been let go from his £2 million-a-year ambassadorial role at Old Trafford, Guardiola took the opportunity to pay tribute to the Scotsman’s monumental influence in football.
In this article, we’ll delve into Guardiola’s ultimate compliment to Ferguson, the Manchester City boss’s own managerial journey, and how he views his future at the club. We’ll also explore Guardiola’s reflection on his rivals, like Jurgen Klopp, José Mourinho, and Mikel Arteta, who he credits with making him a better manager.
Pep Guardiola’s Ultimate Tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson
When discussing Sir Alex Ferguson, Guardiola did not mince words: “In this country and all around the world, Sir Alex Ferguson is the best. For the time, for the change of teams, for the trophies…” Ferguson’s record of 13 Premier League titles in 26 years at Manchester United is unparalleled, and Guardiola made it clear that being compared to Ferguson is more than enough for him.
Guardiola, who has led Manchester City to six Premier League titles in just eight seasons, added that the comparison alone is a great honor. “Being close to one of the most important managers of all time is more than enough. It’s an incredible honor for me and for all the staff, all the assistants, and all the players I’ve had,” he said.
Guardiola’s admiration for Ferguson goes beyond mere statistics. The Catalan coach admires the longevity and adaptability Ferguson displayed throughout his United career. Ferguson’s ability to evolve his teams, maintain dominance, and consistently win trophies has left a lasting legacy that Guardiola feels is beyond comparison.
Pep Guardiola has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson as football’s greatest-ever manager – and insisted he has no intention of staying at Manchester City just to surpass the former Manchester United boss.
(Source: Sunday Mirror) pic.twitter.com/M8VOdIkzgC
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 20, 2024
Guardiola’s Reflections on His Own Managerial Success
Despite the accolades, Guardiola has made it clear that surpassing Ferguson’s legacy is not something he is concerned about. “When people say ‘Pep is one of the best,’ that’s because of the players I had, the assistant managers, and the assistant coaches – and we have had many. All of them create this sense that we are good – and that is enough. I don’t fight for anything else,” Guardiola explained.
While some managers might be motivated by the desire to be labeled the best, Guardiola emphasized that this is not his primary focus. He acknowledged that Manchester United fans will always see Sir Alex Ferguson as the pinnacle, and he has no issue with that. “For the United fans, it’s always Sir Alex. Absolutely fine,” he said. “But to be the best or not the best, believe me, it’s not important.”
Guardiola’s humility in this regard is refreshing, especially given the immense success he has enjoyed at City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. He’s a manager who prefers to focus on improving his teams, developing his players, and enjoying the journey rather than chasing titles for personal glory.
The Role of Rivals in Guardiola’s Development
Guardiola didn’t shy away from crediting his managerial rivals for making him a better coach. Over the years, he has faced fierce competition from the likes of Jurgen Klopp, José Mourinho, and now Mikel Arteta, each of whom has played a significant role in pushing Guardiola to elevate his game.
“Jurgen Klopp made me a better manager, José Mourinho made me a better manager, Mikel Arteta now is making me a better manager,” Guardiola acknowledged. “We need that, so it’s happening.”
This acknowledgment highlights Guardiola’s competitive spirit and his belief that healthy rivalry is essential for growth. He respects the challenges his rivals bring, knowing that their tactical brilliance pushes him to find new solutions and strategies.
Guardiola’s Future at Manchester City
As for his future at Manchester City, Guardiola remains focused on the present rather than long-term records or personal achievements. Despite dominating English football in recent years, including achieving a historic treble in the 2022-2023 season, Guardiola’s comments suggest that he is not motivated by the prospect of staying just to break records or accumulate titles.
When asked about his potential departure from City, Guardiola made it clear that he would leave when the time feels right, and not because of external pressure to surpass Ferguson’s legacy. “I’m not saying I’m a bad manager, otherwise I could not be here for a long time and be a success. But to be the best or not the best, honestly, it’s not the point,” he said.
This attitude underscores Guardiola’s satisfaction with his own journey, one that has seen him revolutionize football in multiple countries, win countless trophies, and influence a generation of players and coaches alike.
