Under a rainy Manchester sky, far from the sunny climes of Barcelona, Pep Guardiola marked the 1,000th game of his managerial career on Sunday with renewed vigour. The damp conditions couldn’t dampen his spirits
as a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool reaffirmed his enduring magic.
Last season, critics suggested that Guardiola, who had built his reputation as both a player and a coach by the Mediterranean, had lost his touch when Manchester City were no longer champions. However, Sunday’s triumph over Liverpool — City’s fiercest rivals since Guardiola arrived in England in 2016 and the team that ended their Premier League reign last season –proved those critics wrong.
Although Arsenal currently lead the table by four points, their manager Mikel Arteta, once Guardiola’s assistant at City, might now feel the pressure. Despite the departure of key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ilkay Gundogan, and the newcomers’ struggles, City has been navigating a transitional phase since winning their sixth Premier League title under Guardiola in the 2023-24 season.
This season started with two losses in the first three league games, but City has since won 11 of their last 14 matches in all competitions, with their only defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. Sunday’s win wasn’t just about the scoreline; it marked Guardiola’s 716th victory as a manager, showcasing City’s control over the reigning champions. Erling Haaland was in top form, Phil Foden’s spark returned, and Jeremy Doku dazzled with a majestic third goal.
Missing Key Players
City achieved this without their midfield maestro Rodri, who will return after the international break, leaving Guardiola content as he basked in the applause from City’s fans. Guardiola expressed his gratitude to his players and staff, saying, “Just want to say thank you to the players, backroom staff to give me that present,” the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, said. “Proud to do it here in Manchester with my City.
“Now rest and come back with the energy.”
Since starting as coach of Barcelona’s second team in 2007, Guardiola has amassed 12 league titles, three Champions Leagues, and numerous other trophies. Reflecting on his milestone, he credited his early days at Barcelona B for laying the foundation for his dynasties in Catalonia, Bavaria, and Manchester.
“I think my period at Barcelona B is the foundation for many things,” he said. “To realise myself that I was able to do it and learn a lot. I will never forget the guys in that first season. For me, it has been so special to make 1,000 games in front of my family and especially against Liverpool.”
Title Challenge
Guardiola has a positive outlook for the current season and believes that maintaining their current consistency will keep City in contention. He emphasised the importance of steady growth throughout the season, noting, “The team that wins the Premier League is when every month the team is growing, and you see the feeling the team grows and grows and grows. Then you arrive at the end fighting for the title. It’s not the team in September or October at the top. This was an important week this one.
“I said to the guys ‘don’t do it today because Arsenal didn’t win (on Saturday)’. Do it for ourselves against the champions of England. Show them we are able to be there.
“Today I think we proved it.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
