With how successful Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City juggernaut has been over the years, they will likely be mentioned among the greatest club sides in the modern era for years to come.
From the long list of records Manchester City have shattered and their unprecedented dominance of English football to their legendary manager’s constant tactical evolution, there will be so much to unpack about what made them a truly special side.
Martin Keown lauded Pep Guardiola by naming him as the greatest manager to have ever graced the game due to his unique influence on football as a whole, which was accentuated as he dominated proceedings at City.
Even Arne Slot admitted Guardiola inspires him after he was appointed by Liverpool, which goes to show his extraordinary impact.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Ahead of Al-Hilal’s upcoming contest against Manchester City, Simone Inzaghi previewed the contest.
Being one of the best managers in the world, Inzaghi had his say on the two-time treble-winner.
More Man City News
Simone Inzaghi heaped praise on Pep Guardiola and claimed that he has influenced football to such an extent that the game will do a complete 180 once he retires, saying via Manchester Evening News: “I believe every coach that starts to train considers Guardiola an inspiration.”
Simone Inzaghi celebrating after Inter Milan beat Barcelona
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
“I believe there was football before and there will be after Guardiola, but he developed a new philosophy of football and a new way of playing.”
Simone Inzaghi also named Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world over the past 25 years, saying: “I believe he is the best coach over the last 20-25 years and is a great example for us as a coach.”
It is a matter of pride for Manchester City that managers of Inzaghi’s calibre hold Guardiola in such high esteem.
Jamie Carragher hailed Pep Guardiola as well and claimed that he had surpassed Sir Alex Ferguson as the best manager in the history of football.
Lionel Messi lauded Guardiola after City won the treble in 2023 as well.
However, Messi hinted at a problem with Pep Guardiola’s dominance by claiming that children in academies are being coached into adapting to his style of play: “The Guardiola era has caused a bit of confusion. Everyone wants to play like that now.”
“They tell six, seven-year-olds to play with two touches, quickly. At that age, what happened with me needs to happen for these kids… we shouldn’t take away their spontaneity.”