Pep Guardiola on 1,000th Game Milestone: “Liverpool Are the Perfect Opponents”

Pep Guardiola will celebrate a remarkable milestone this weekend — his 1,000th match as a manager — when Manchester City take on their fiercest modern rivals, Liverpool, in what he described as a fitting setting for such a career-defining occasion.

Speaking ahead of the Premier League showdown, the 54-year-old reflected on his journey from Barcelona B in 2007 to becoming one of world football’s most decorated managers. “Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country, and it couldn’t be better, to be honest,” Guardiola told reporters. “We pushed each other to be better, and that’s something I’ll always appreciate.”

Since his debut on the touchline 18 years ago, Guardiola has collected 12 domestic league titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies across stints with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. His managerial record stands at an astonishing 715 wins from 999 matches, giving him a win rate of over 70% — one of the highest in football history.

Reflecting on the magnitude of the milestone, Guardiola said, “The journey and experiences have been unbelievable. To reach 1,000 games requires a lot of hard work, passion, and dedication. I love the game, I love to study it, and I love to find the secrets of how to challenge opponents. That keeps me alive as a manager.”

The City boss, who was recently inducted into the League Managers Association (LMA) Hall of Fame 1,000 Club, spoke with humour when asked about comparisons to football’s greatest managers. “They are completely right!” he joked. “Of course, I can say I’ve been part of history because the numbers show success. But I never started thinking, ‘I want to be the best.’ I just wanted to make my teams play beautiful football.”

Despite his glittering career, Guardiola acknowledged that Liverpool remain one of his toughest opponents. In 24 meetings against the Reds, his teams have managed seven wins and ten defeats, a record that reflects the fierce nature of the rivalry. He admitted, “Liverpool always push us to the limit. The intensity, the energy, the passion — it’s unlike anything else in world football.”

Looking ahead to the title race, Guardiola praised Arsenal’s defensive form, saying, “If Arsenal continue not conceding goals or even chances, it’ll be hard to catch them. But it’s only November — you don’t win titles now, though you can lose them.”

As he prepares to take charge for the 1,000th time, Guardiola remains focused on the future rather than the milestone. “Hopefully, we can continue. Every game, every season teaches you something new. And to face Liverpool in my 1,000th game — that’s football giving me the perfect gift.”

The Manchester City vs Liverpool clash takes place on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, a fixture that could once again shape the Premier League title race.