The duel between Manchester City and Liverpool FC is the 1,000th. Play by Pep Guardiola as coach. The Catalan master coach was quite proud of what has been achieved so far.
Before his 1,000th birthday As a coach, the BBC also invited Pep Guardiola to an interview. The topic wasn’t just the upcoming top duel between his “Skyblues” and Liverpool FC (highlights in the sports show on Sunday from 7:15 p.m.). Of course, it was also about the impressive record from the 999 previous games: Guardiola has won 715 games as a coach since his debut as coach in 2007 with the FC Barcelona B team. Given this success rate, many consider him to be the greatest coach of all time. The BBC asked him directly what he thought about it. Guardiola’s answer, with a smile: “They’re absolutely right.”
Guardiola wanted to deflect the “GOAT” question with a touch of self-irony. At the same time, he also noted that, approaching the 1,000-game mark, he is quite proud of what he has achieved so far. “In the end, it’s all hard work.” When it comes to dedication and passion, Guardiola said, “No one can surpass me”.
Guardiola said he didn’t want to feign false modesty. More than 70 percent of games won, this is only possible for clubs like Barcelona, Bayern or Manchester City. But also because he managed to convince the players of his ideas, they always followed him. That’s why it’s his success, said Guardiola. “It was always fun to watch my teams.”
Twelve championship titles in three top European leagues, three Champions League trophies, the 54-year-old Catalan appeared completely at peace with himself before his anniversary game against Liverpool FC. “If I had to choose an opponent, this would be the best”he said before the game.
He only misses Jürgen Klopp as the coach on the other side. Guardiola emphasized that Klopp taught him how much he had to think and work and do to get better. During the Klopp era at Anfield, the duel between City and Liverpool became a new classic. “Liverpool have been the biggest rivals in this country and especially Jürgen. It couldn’t be better. Fate and the universe decided that way”said Guardiola.
After the catastrophic year in the previous season, when the “Skyblues” were dethorned by Liverpool after four titles in a row, Guardiola’s team has stabilized again and is attacking the top in the Premier League again. Liverpool were also able to end their losing streak in time for the away game at City. It’s the duel of the third against the fourth – and therefore again an absolutely top game.