PEP GUARDIOLA IN AWE AS HE HITS 1,000 MATCHES IN MANAGEMENT
Pep Guardiola manages his 1,000th senior game as Man City host rivals Liverpool. The Spaniard reflects on his "incredible" 715-win career and why this fixture is the perfect milestone opponent.
Guardiola’s 1,000-Game Journey is ‘Insane’ - Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Before accepting the main position at Camp Nou, the Spaniard worked in the dugout for Barcelona's B squad. He later moved on to German powerhouse Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
In his 999 games thus far, the 54-year-old former Barcelona and Spain player has won 715 of them and received numerous awards at every team he has managed.
Guardiola said, "The numbers are outrageous," at a press conference before the game.
"I do not care how many, but when you reach the milestone and read about your accomplishments, you will see that we have accomplished amazing things in Barcelona, not just in the Premier League and Champions League, but even with normal victories.
"It is really hard to get there. And I will not get there if I start over."
Guardiola, who moved to the Etihad in 2016, claimed that Liverpool, his fiercest adversaries in England, were the perfect opponents for his historic match on Sunday.
With eight Premier League titles between them, the two teams have dominated English football over the last ten years.
"Obviously, Barcelona had a huge influence on my life as a ball boy, football player, manager, and so on, and obviously, Bayern was a fantastic step as well," Guardiola remarked.
But Liverpool has been the nation's fiercest rival, particularly under (former manager) Jurgen Klopp. To be honest, it could not be better.
Guardiola quipped that those who criticised him as the best manager of all time were "absolutely right" before stating that he had always played football according to his principles.
In his own words, "I strive to make our teams play the way I want them to," "I never once betrayed my emotions.
And I gained a lot of knowledge in the process. And I made a lot of changes. However, I never betrayed the core principles, or what I really believe in."
Guardiola received congratulations from former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who managed over 2,000 games throughout his illustrious career.
He spoke on behalf of the League Managers Association and said, "Your unwavering love and enthusiasm for the game has always been so clear, and you should be very proud of the indelible impact you continue to have across the global game."
"To continue winning league, Champions League, and domestic cup trophies in three of Europe's most difficult leagues is extraordinary, and reaching 1,000 games and establishing such longevity in football is a milestone that can never be undervalued."
"The most significant person in my football career" is how Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, referred to Guardiola, whom he had previously served as his assistant at City.
After ten Premier League games, both City and Arne Slot's Liverpool are catching up, with Arsenal setting a terrifying pace.
The Gunners are six points ahead of Guardiola's team, and champions Liverpool are one point behind.
PSG TARGETING VICTOR OSIMHEN IN POTENTIAL €150M BLOCKBUSTER TRANSFER
PSG is linked with a shock move for Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker is in top form, but the Turkish club will demand a fee of around €150 million for any transfer.
PSG chase €150M Victor Osimhen - Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to Reports, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been connected to a surprise move to PSG, a team in the French Ligue 1.
For the last five years, Osimhen has been among the world's most attractive shooters. In France, Italy, Belgium, and now at Galatasaray, he has continuously scored goals.
The 26-year-old striker has already shown his worth after joining the Turkish powerhouses in the summer for a league-record €75 million.
Osimhen has six goals in three games this season, which puts him atop the UEFA Champions League goalscoring chart. He scored a record-breaking hat-trick at Ajax this week, which was his most recent haul.
Many clubs have taken notice of Osimhen's performances, and if he keeps up his current pace, a larger team may attempt to sign him away from Galatasaray in the near future.
Meanwhile, according to recent claims from Fichajes, PSG may even try to sign the former Lille player. They claim that coach Luis Enrique has requested that the team sign a top striker who is similar to Osimhen.
PSG's top nine. Since moving from Benfica for €65 million two years ago, Goncalo Ramos has not been totally convincing, and Enrique thinks a striker like Osimhen would help them keep up their position at the top of European football.
In response to PSG's interest, Galatasaray has committed €150 million for Victor Osimhen.
Fichajes claims that Galatasaray will only consider offers for Victor Osimhen that total about €150 million.
However, given that they recently paid €75 million for him and placed him on a massive wage plan, this is not shocking. They will therefore wish to recover the majority of their capital as well as more.
In addition, Alxander Isak, who is nearly as good as Osimhen, cost more than €140 million during the most recent summer transfer window. Galatasaray would therefore believe that they have the right to demand €150 million.
PSG has a reputation for spending a lot of money. The record of €222 million for Neymar is still in their possession. This is not the first time Osimhen and PSG have been connected. Les Parisiens would undoubtedly spend a fortune if they truly wanted him.
PREMIER LEAGUE RIVALS BEWARE: ERLING HAALAND PROMISES RELENTLESS CITY ATTACKING THREAT
Erling Haaland warns Man City's rivals he is in the "best version of myself" physically and mentally. The striker aims to break records as Pep Guardiola manages his 1000th game vs Liverpool.
Erling Haaland has warned Manchester City’s rivals - Photo Credit: Steven Paston/PA
In his quest for more goals, Erling Haaland has cautioned Manchester City's opponents that he is in the best physical and mental shape of his career.
With 13 goals so far this season, the Premier League's leading scorer has more than doubled his nearest rivals, including Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth.
Haaland is hoping to surpass his previous best of 52 goals in a single season, having scored 18 goals in 14 games across all competitions going into Sunday's matchup with Liverpool.
The 25-year-old declared, "I think this is the best version of myself." "This is the best feeling I have ever had."I feel great, and it is been a terrific start.
I have to keep my head in the correct place in order to stay sharp. It involves maintaining equilibrium and staying in the zone.
With a victory over Arne Slot's team at the Etihad Stadium, City may move four points clear of Liverpool thanks to Haaland's incredible play, which has kept them in the hunt behind league leaders Arsenal.
Erling Haaland has cautioned Manchester City's opponents that, in his quest for more goals, he is in the finest physical and mental shape of his career.
In addition, Haaland honoured City manager Pep Guardiola before his 1,000th game in charge.
Pep Guardiola's 1000th game as manager is brought up during the discussion, and Haaland feels that City owes its head coach to fire themselves into the running for the championship.
It is the brilliant Pep Guardiola. The Norwegian continued. There is a reason he has been winning so much: his hard work and dedication.
Take a look at all that he has accomplished for this team and over his career; it is quite amazing. It is about cooperating; we must pay attention to him as he instructs us on how to play and what to do. He deserves our performance, so we must do it for him.
Guardiola said Liverpool are ideal opponents for the day he hits 1,000 and denied claims that his coaching has tactically altered the game.
Eight of the nine titles since Guardiola took over have been won by City and Liverpool, who were separated by just one point in two of those seasons.
"They would be the best rival if I had to pick only one for my personal milestone," Guardiola remarked. Liverpool has been the nation's fiercest adversary, particularly under Jurgen Klopp.
To be honest, it could not be better. That was decided by the universe. Living life to the fullest is pleasant. I am sorry, but the numbers are crazy.
"The wins, the average (points), not only in the Premier League but also in the Champions League... we have achieved amazing feats here, at Barcelona, and in Bayern Munich."
It is hard to get to, and I would not get there if I started over. Throughout history, managers have had an influence. Since the numbers support it and it has been enjoyable to watch our team, I can say that I have been involved.