Manchester City manager says he is “proud” and the “numbers are insane”
Pep Guardiola will mark his 1,000th game as a manager this Sunday when Manchester City face Liverpool, and his achievement has drawn praise from none other than Sir Alex Ferguson.
Guardiola has established himself as one of the most successful coaches of his generation. Across spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, he has won 12 league titles and three Champions League trophies, recording 715 victories from his 999 matches in charge.
Ferguson, who managed over 2,000 games during his own career, said: “Pep! I am absolutely delighted to welcome you to join the prestigious LMA [League Managers Association] Hall of Fame 1,000 Club.
“Your deep love and passion for the game has always been so evident and you should be very proud of the indelible impact you continue to have across the global game.
“Reaching 1,000 matches and achieving such longevity in football is a landmark that can never be underestimated, and to continue to deliver league, Champions League and domestic cup titles in three of Europe’s most competitive leagues is outstanding.”
Guardiola’s journey began with Barcelona’s B team in 2007 before taking over the senior side a year later, ushering in one of the most dominant eras in European football.
His success continued in Germany and England, where his tactical ideas have reshaped modern football. He has won the Premier League in six of the last eight seasons.
“I am so proud to be reaching 1,000 games as a manager which has always been a special ambition for me,” said Guardiola.
“The numbers are insane, I’m sorry to tell you. I’m not thinking how many, but when you see the milestones and you read what you have done, the victories, the average, not just in the Premier League but in the Champions League too, we have won incredible things in Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here.
“It is difficult to reach and if I start again I would not reach it, it is too much games.”
Mikel Arteta, who spent more than three years as Guardiola’s assistant at City before taking over Arsenal, said the milestone underlines his former mentor’s place among the greats.
“It’s an incredible achievement,” said Arteta. “It goes in the history of the very best and the few that could only achieve something like that. I would be extremely happy and proud if one day I’m able to do what he’s done in his career because, as you all know, he’s been probably the most important person in my football career. I’m incredibly proud of him and what he’s done.”
