Pep Guardiola was asked about his thoughts on the ‘best coach of all time’ claim ahead of Champions League clash, and the City manager didn’t mince his words.
Manchester City will take on Schalke 04 in the Champions League round-of-16 later tonight.
The side is currently at the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool, however, hold a game’s advantage over City. Guardiola’s men will take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
As Manchester City gears up for the first leg of the round-of-16, Pep Guardiola addressed the media for the pre-match press conference.
He was asked to comment on the ‘best coach of all time’ claim during the press conference, to which Guardiola had an answer ready.
The former Barcelona manager was asked whether he can be considered the greatest coach of all time when he is yet to win a Champions League title without Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
“I completely agree with them. I’m not going to argue for one second. I was a lucky guy,” Guardiola replied.
Guardiola is asked about whether he can be considered the best coach of all time because he hasn’t won the CL without Messi, Xavi, Iniesta etc: “I completely agree with them. I’m not going to argue for one second. I was a lucky guy.”
— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) February 19, 2019
Guardiola on the old “fraud” accusations, namely that he only won the Champions League because of Messi and the lads. I’ve kept the question in because fair play to the lad, it was delivered excellently. NB I don’t think Guardiola believes this pic.twitter.com/A685Uwqvw6
— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) February 19, 2019
“I would not argue for one second because when I was there, I said many times that I had incredible players.
“I did as well with Munich and Manchester, but in Barcelona, I was a lucky guy, I’m sorry, I was lucky. I agree with them.”
Pep Guardiola failed to lift the Champions League title during his time with Bayern Munich. Manchester City lost in the round-of-16 of the tournament in Guardiola’s first season at the club.
In his second season, he took the side to the quarterfinals where City lost to eventual runners-up, Liverpool.
Journo : I am from Nigeria and you’re extremely popular in Nigeria. Anti-Guardiola fans say you didn’t win UCL in a long time because you don’t have Xavi-Iniesta-Messi, thoughts?
Pep “I am completely agree with them” [📹 @Sammy_Goal ] #Pep pic.twitter.com/7dJtz4ev8c
— The Pep (@GuardiolaTweets) February 20, 2019
🗣 “I think this season he is one of the best two or three players in the Premier League. He is a joy. I am incredibly lucky guy to have Bernardo, to enjoy him in every training session and every single game. He’s a lovely guy. I love him.”
– Pep Guardiola on Bernardo Silva. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/bzH2bJzkfQ
— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) February 20, 2019
What next?
Manchester City are determined to lift the Champions League title this season. The title race for the Premier League is also intense at the moment, as City are only ahead of Liverpool through goal difference.
If Liverpool beat or draw with City’s neighbours Manchester United on the weekend, Guardiola’s side will fall to the second position.
