Guardiola Reflects on Milestone as He Approaches 1,000th Match

Pep Guardiola, the distinguished manager of Manchester City, is set to reach a significant milestone as he prepares to lead his team in his 1,000th match against Liverpool in the Premier League this Sunday. The Spanish tactician is in awe of the remarkable statistics he has accumulated throughout his career.

Since beginning his managerial journey with Barcelona B in 2007, Guardiola has amassed 715 victories across all competitions. He has secured 12 top-flight titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, alongside three UEFA Champions League trophies.

At 54 years old, Guardiola has experienced only 128 defeats and has achieved an additional 14 cup victories during his illustrious tenure.

When asked by BBC Sport whether he keeps track of his career wins, Guardiola remarked, “Of course I know, a lot. The numbers are insane, I’m sorry to tell you. I’m not focused on the count, but when reflecting on my milestones and achievements, the victories and averages are astonishing—not just in the Premier League but also in the Champions League. We have accomplished incredible feats at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and here at City.”

He acknowledged the difficulty of repeating such success, admitting, “If I were to start over, I doubt I could achieve this again; the number of games is overwhelming. A few defeats aside, as I approach 1,000 games, I hope we can continue this trajectory on Sunday.”

Guardiola has undeniably transformed English football with a distinctive style that many managers have sought to emulate. Under his guidance, Manchester City became the first team to accumulate 100 points in a single league season, achieve a domestic treble, and win four consecutive league titles.

He stated, “It may appear I possess false humility, but achieving over 70% in victory rates means that for every 10 games, we win seven and draw one or two. This is possible due to the incredible players at Barcelona, Munich, and City. Beyond talent, there is a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion—qualities that no one can surpass in me.”

Guardiola responded to being labeled the greatest manager of all time with a grin, saying, “They are completely right! The influence of every manager has shaped football history. I can firmly state that I have contributed to that narrative, as my numbers demonstrate success, and it has been a joy to witness my teams excel. However, I never set out to be the best.”

His remarkable achievements were recently acknowledged with his induction into the League Managers Association (LMA) Hall of Fame. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson emphasized the significance of longevity in reaching such milestones.

As Guardiola faces Liverpool, a team with whom he shares a storied rivalry—having exchanged the Premier League title for the past eight seasons—he reflected on their competitive nature, saying, “Liverpool and I have pushed each other to improve, without a doubt. If I had to choose a rival to commemorate this personal milestone, it would undoubtedly be them.”

Guardiola has suffered more defeats against Liverpool than any other club, alongside Tottenham, and he praised them for their role in driving him to new heights. He specifically acknowledged Jurgen Klopp, the manager he has faced the most during his career, stating, “Liverpool, particularly with Jurgen, have been the biggest rivals in this country. It has been a remarkable journey, and I cherish the healthy respect we have for one another. Jurgen has significantly influenced my career, and I miss the challenges he presents.”

As Guardiola approaches this milestone, his reflections reveal not only his personal achievements but also the mutual respect and rivalry that have defined his tenure in English football.