Pep Guardiola stands as one of football’s most iconic creators. Throughout his career, he pushed players forward in pursuit of growth. Small pass artistry once suffocated opponents.
That same artist triggered a revolution in world football. Guardiola now races toward another historic chapter — his 1000th match as a manager, and another milestone awaits.
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He always approached matches with anger, desire, and hunger to win. For this 1000th match, the opponent happens to be Liverpool — his toughest rival.
His coaching journey began in 2007 with Barcelona B. Across three clubs he led, he wrote 12 Champions League campaigns and collected 40 trophies. He delivered 715 wins. A fairy tale record where once every 25 matches, a trophy reached his hands – Reuters report.
“Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country and it could not be better, to be honest,” Guardiola told reporters Friday. “I think we pushed Liverpool to be better and Liverpool pushed us to be better. That’s for sure.”
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“If I had to choose one rival for this personal milestone, that would be the best.”
City and Liverpool fought two iconic Premier League title battles in 2018-19 and 2021-22 — both decided by one single point, both won by City.
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“Liverpool, especially with Juergen, have been the biggest rival,” Guardiola said. “I always had the feeling of how much we respected each other.”
Guardiola said the journey felt unbelievable. His first match came in 2007 for Barcelona B in Spain’s fourth tier.
“The numbers are confusing. It’s difficult to reach it, and if I started again I would not reach it. It’s been hard work, dedication, passion, love. I love this game, I love to study how we can beat opponents. Hopefully Sunday we can continue.”
Guardiola has won 715 out of 999 games. When asked about being called the best manager ever, the 54-year-old joked:
“They are completely right! Of course the numbers show success. But I never started thinking I want to be the best.”
Even he struggles to believe his 1000th match number. Guardiola guided Lionel Messi during his Barcelona era from 2008 to 2012. In 219 matches, Messi produced 211 goals and 92 assists. His brightest personal season came in 2011-12, where the Guardiola–Messi combination delivered 14 trophies for Barcelona, including two Champions League titles.
If he could choose a rival for this milestone match, he would still choose Liverpool. From his earliest Premier League days, Liverpool remained his hardest battlefield. Stage is set. 715 wins behind him. A new era Liverpool in front. This is not just about numbers — this match stands as a symbol of a generation where football carries Guardiola’s signature.
Read more: Manchester United Set to Host Newcastle in Only Boxing Day Premier League Match 2025
Guardiola also warned City about the title race moving forward.
“If Arsenal continue this way, not conceding goals or even clear chances it will be almost impossible to catch them.”