Who is the greatest manager of all-time? That’s a question that divides football fans across the world, but, particularly in Manchester.
By certain metrics, you could argue that Pep Guardiola is the greatest manager in history. His win percentage speaks for itself, he’s won major honours with multiple clubs, and his style of play revolutionised the game.
However, there is an argument to make that Sir Alex Ferguson is the greatest manager of all-time for his achievements at Manchester United. After all, he won 13 league titles with the Red Devils, and the club has completely capitulated since his retirement 12 years ago.
Jamie Carragher believes Guardiola is the better manager, while Jose Mourinho couldn’t choose between Guardiola and Ferguson.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Eddie Howe has been asked to name who he believes is the greatest manager of all-time, and he shared an interesting answer.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Eddie Howe picks Alex Ferguson over Pep Guardiola
Howe shared his verdict on who is the greatest manager of all-time.
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Howe was asked to name the four greatest managers in history, and he spoke about both Guardiola and Ferguson.
“Sir Bobby Robson, not just for the links to this club, he did it at home and abroad and how he managed as well. Pep Guardiola has to be there, because he’s revolutionised the game with how he plays and how he sees the game.
“Sir Alex Ferguson, without a shadow of a doubt for his longevity, just relentless, and Arsene Wenger, he was a revolutionary, not just on the pitch, off the pitch.”
Howe was then asked who is the greatest manager of all-time.
“If I had to stick my colours to the mast it would be very close between Pep and Sir Alex. I think I’ll go for Sir Alex due to his longevity at one club, which is very, very difficult to do.”
Eddie Howe record vs Pep Guardiola
Howe named Alex Ferguson as the greatest manager of all-time, but, interestingly, Howe named Manchester City as the best team he’d ever faced.
“Who are the best team you have ever faced?” Howe was asked.
“It has to be one of the many Man City teams, there’s been a few. Pellegrini’s Man City teams and obviously Pep, everytime he rebuilds his team and every season they get better. I think it has to be Manchester City,” Howe said.
Inevitably, Eddie Howe has a miserable record against Manchester City during his career.
|Eddie Howe record vs Manchester City|
|---|---|
|Games|20|
|Wins|1|
|Draws|2|
|Losses|17|
|Goals for|12|
|Goals against|55|
Howe never actually managed against Alex Ferguson as their careers didn’t overlap all that much, but the Newcastle boss knows first-hand just how good Guardiola’s teams are, hence why he’s only ever won one game against Manchester City.