Guardiola reveals rival he misses most ahead of 1000-games milestone

Guardiola Reflects on Rivalry Ahead of 1,000th Match Milestone

Pep Guardiola is about to reach a landmark in his managerial career, with his 1,000th game set for Sunday as Manchester City host Liverpool. This fixture holds special significance given the intense rivalry between Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s former manager.

An Enduring Rivalry

The Spaniard regards his contests with Klopp as some of the most memorable moments in a career that includes successful periods at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and a trophy-filled nine years at Manchester City.

"If I were to choose one rival for this personal milestone, that I want to share with many people, they would be the best," Guardiola said. "I've been longer than ever in this country. Of course Barcelona, the impact on my life as a ballboy, football player, manager, and so on is obvious and Bayern was an incredible step as well. But Liverpool, especially with Jurgen, have been the biggest rivals in this country and it could not be better, to be honest. So destiny decided that and it's nice to live it."

Missing the Challenge

Despite Klopp's departure from Anfield last year, Guardiola admits he still misses the challenge of facing him on the touchline.

Guardiola has won six Premier League titles with Manchester City.
This upcoming match marks his 1,000th managerial game.
The rivalry with Klopp is viewed as a defining part of his career in England.

The match encapsulates not just a milestone but a celebration of two of football’s greatest tactical minds clashing and pushing each other to greater heights.

Author’s summary: Guardiola cherishes his rivalry with Jurgen Klopp as a career highlight, reflecting on their battles as he approaches his 1,000th managerial game.

Daily Mail — 2025-11-07

Guardiola Reflects on Rivalry Ahead of 1,000th Match Milestone

An Enduring Rivalry

Missing the Challenge

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