Pep Guardiola has put together an incredible managerial CV, putting him well within the conversation surrounding the greatest manager in football history. However, the man himself has already gone on the record to name his three GOATs of the dugout.
Currently in charge of Manchester City, the Catalan-born genius is already the second-most successful manager the beautiful game has ever seen, having won silverware wherever he's gone. The 2024/25 campaign has been a disappointing one for Guardiola, mainly because he's gone without lifting any major trophy - a rarity in his career.
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He's already in a debate with Sir Alex Ferguson to be seen as the best boss the Premier League has ever had after guiding Man City to an era of dominance and unprecedented success in the form of four successive league triumphs. However, the 54-year-old believes he shouldn't be considered among the greats until after his career, while naming the three best in his eyes during a Sky Sports interview.
Pep Guardiola Ranks Trio of Managerial Greats
1. Sir Alex Ferguson
When asked to name his managerial GOAT, the first name that came to mind for Guardiola was Manchester United legend Ferguson. It's hard to argue with his decision as the iconic Scot guided the Red Devils to an unbelievable 13 Premier League crowns, elevating the Old Trafford-based outfit above fierce rivals Liverpool in English titles by the time he retired.
Not only was his success in England one of the greatest achievements the sport has ever seen, but Ferguson was also the figurehead of a golden era for Scottish club Aberdeen. To this day, he's still the last manager to defeat Spanish giants Real Madrid in a European final, leading the Dons to European Cup Winners' Cup glory in 1983.
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Guardiola was full of praise for the ex-United leader. He placed the only manager with more trophies than him as the finest to ever sit in the dugout, and said:
"Sir Alex number one. For the amount of consistency. For the amount of titles. For the amount of change, dynamics."
2. Johan Cruyff
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Just missing out on first place was Guardiola's old boss at Barcelona, Johan Cruyff. The late icon of the game was seen as a trendsetter with his incredible mind for the game, changing the fortunes of two European superpowers in the eyes of his former player, who said: "Johan Cruyff changed two clubs, Ajax and Barcelona."
To not only be seen as one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the turf, but also one of the finest tacticians after retirement, proves just how special Cruyff was to the world of football. In terms of honours, the Dutchman's best spell as a manager came at Camp Nou, where he was a key part of Barcelona winning four successive La Liga titles and a European Cup (Champions League) in the early 1990s.
3. Arrigo Sacchi
Manager Arrigo Sacchi
Arrigo Sacchi is a name that isn't often discussed in the modern game, but Guardiola made sure to praise the Italian, who led massive teams such as AC Milan, Italy and Parma during his long spell in the game. The majority of his success came with AC Milan in European competition, as Sacchi's side won the biggest continental prize on offer two years in a row.
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While he may not have the extensive trophy cabinet of someone like Ferguson or Guardiola himself, Sacchi has previously been labelled as one of the most influential people in the sport by ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. Guardiola echoed that sentiment by stating: "Sacchi didn't win the titles of Sir Alex, but he changed generations of managers and players." To confirm his three selections and the order he'd place them in, the Man City gaffer said:
"Sir Alex Ferguson, I would say. And after that, close close close, Johann Cruyff, and then I would say Arrigo Sacchi."
Watch the video below (10:30):