Pep Guardiola: A Legendary Manager with a Sharp Wit
Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. Not only has he won an unprecedented number of titles in Spain, Germany, and England, but the Spaniard has also revolutionised modern football with his distinct style of play that emphasises possession, quick passing, and tactical fluidity. Guardiola’s influence has left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping how the game is played today.
However, it’s not just his coaching brilliance that has captivated the football world. Like his former rival Jürgen Klopp and former coach José Mourinho, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is also known for his wit and sharp remarks, making him a constant source of entertainment for fans.
1. "It rains every day"
After Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Arsenal in the 2020/21 Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Guardiola compared his team’s form to Manchester’s unpredictable weather:
"It’s like in Manchester. It rains every day. When one day the sun rises, it doesn’t mean the weather is going to change. It is just one game, but we will see what happens in the future."
Even after winning the treble in 2022/23, he quipped during the victory parade in the rain:
"We had to be the best parade with this rain, otherwise it is not Manchester. We don’t want sunshine, we want rain, so it was perfect."
2. "Like a jazz musician…"
Guardiola’s team-first philosophy was summed up in a 2017 interview with The Guardian:
"If every player plays like a jazz musician, it will be chaos. They will not be a team."
3. "I got better contracts"
Guardiola has often praised Lionel Messi, comparing him to Michael Jordan and acknowledging his impact on his career:
"Thanks to him, I got better contracts."
4. "All the alcohol in Manchester"
After City’s title celebrations in 2023, Guardiola joked about their post-party performance:
"The game we played, 40 hours after I think we drank all the alcohol in Manchester, 40 hours later we behave and we showed why we are the champions."
5. "I won’t leave"
Amid speculation about Manchester City’s future due to financial rule breaches, Guardiola reassured fans:
"I will not consider my future if it depends on being here or being in League One. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we win the Champions League."
6. "Everyone in this country supports Liverpool"
During the 2022 title race with Liverpool, Guardiola quipped:
"Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone. Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in European competition. Not in the Premier League, because they have won one in 30 years, but it is not a problem at all."
7. "We cannot replace him"
Guardiola became emotional when discussing the departure of Sergio Agüero in 2021:
"We love him so much. He is a special person for all of us. We cannot replace him. We cannot."
8. "Happy New Year"
After a tense win over Burnley in 2017, Guardiola had a heated exchange with a reporter, ending with:
"More than you would believe, I am happy. I’m so happy, believe me. I’m so happy. Happy New Year."
Guardiola’s quotes, whether born out of joy or frustration, always leave a lasting impact, showcasing his brilliance both on and off the pitch.
