Guardiola says 'numbers are insane' as he reaches 1,000 games in charge
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confessed on Friday that he has relished tremendous achievements as he gears up for his 1,000th match in an extraordinary coaching journey against Liverpool.
The Spanish coach's initial role on the bench came with Barcelona's reserve side prior to assuming the senior position at the Camp Nou, followed by stints at Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich and then Manchester City.
The 54 year old ex Barcelona and Spain midfielder has secured 715 triumphs out of his 999 matches to date, earning numerous trophies across every team he has led.
"The numbers are insane," Guardiola remarked during a pre match press briefing.
"I do not dwell on the count, yet upon hitting this benchmark and reviewing accomplishments, the wins, the averages, not only in the Premier League and Champions League, we accomplished remarkable feats at Barcelona, truly remarkable.
"Achieving this is tough. And should I begin anew, I would not attain it."
Guardiola, who joined the Etihad in 2016, noted that Liverpool made for the perfect adversary in his milestone fixture on Sunday, given their status as his fiercest competitors in England.
These two sides have ruled English football for the last ten years, splitting the previous eight Premier League crowns between them.
"Naturally, Barcelona shaped my life profoundly as a ball boy, player, coach and beyond, that much is clear, and Bayern represented a fantastic progression too," Guardiola explained.
"However, Liverpool, particularly under (ex manager) Jurgen (Klopp), has emerged as the primary challenger here. It feels perfect, truthfully."
Principles
Guardiola quipped that analysts labelling him the finest manager ever were spot on, then elaborated on maintaining his core football philosophies over his tenure.
"I aim to shape our squads to play as I envision," he stated. "I never wavered from my instincts for a moment.
"Through that journey I gained much knowledge. I adapted plenty. Yet the core beliefs, those rooted in my soul, I never compromised."
Ex Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who guided over 2,000 games in his legendary path, offered congratulations to Guardiola.
"Your profound devotion and enthusiasm for the sport have always shone through, and you ought to take great pride in the lasting influence you exert on the worldwide scene," he commented representing the League Managers Association.
"Attaining 1,000 fixtures and sustaining such endurance in football marks an achievement that merits full appreciation, and to keep securing league, Champions League, and domestic cup successes in three of Europe's toughest competitions is exceptional."
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, who once served as Guardiola's assistant at City, called the Catalan tactician "the most pivotal figure in my football journey".
Both City and Arne Slot's Liverpool are striving to close the gap after 10 Premier League outings, as Arsenal leads with an intimidating stride.
Guardiola's squad trails the Gunners by six points, while the title holders Liverpool lag an additional point behind.