Pep Guardiola: 1,000 Games and the Greatest Rivalry

A Historic Milestone Against a Historic Rival

When Pep Guardiola stepped onto the Etihad Stadium touchline on November 7, 2025, he wasn't just preparing for another Premier League clash – he was marking his 1,000th game as a manager. And fittingly, his opponents were Liverpool, the club he has declared his "greatest rival" during his time in England.

The Manchester City boss became the 119th manager to reach the 1,000-game milestone, but with one remarkable distinction: he's the only member of this exclusive club to boast a win rate exceeding 70%. As he reflected on the journey that began with Barcelona B in 2007, Guardiola emphasized his simple philosophy: "You just want to do a good job, play football the right way and see what happens."

The 1,000 Club: Where Guardiola Stands Apart

Reaching 1,000 games places Guardiola alongside legendary figures like Sir Alex Ferguson (2,155 games) and Arsène Wenger (1,702 games). Ferguson himself welcomed Guardiola into the club, praising his "longevity in football" and success across "three of Europe’s most competitive leagues."

Yet Guardiola's impact transcends mere numbers. His win rates across three elite clubs tell the story: 72.5% at Barcelona, 77% at Bayern Munich, and 71.8% at Manchester City. By comparison, other active managers like Jürgen Klopp (54.44%) and Carlo Ancelotti (59.83%) trail significantly. This relentless pursuit of excellence has delivered 40 trophies – including a historic sextuple at Barcelona and a Champions League with City.

The Liverpool Rivalry: A Perfect Stage

"I had to choose one rival for this personal milestone," Guardiola explained. "That would be Liverpool." His reasoning is clear: in the last eight Premier League seasons, barring Chelsea's 2016-17 anomaly, City and Liverpool have shared every title – City with six, Liverpool with two.

Against Jürgen Klopp's side (and now Arne Slot's), Guardiola has faced 22 matches, winning seven, losing eight, and drawing seven. "For the timing," he stated, "we pushed Liverpool to be better and they pushed us to be better." This mutual elevation has transformed the Premier League landscape, making City vs. Liverpool the defining fixture of English football.

"Here you arrive with a sense of peace, do what you have to do in the moment of the game and the crowd is quite similar in being fantastic." – Pep Guardiola

Slot compared the intensity to Barcelona vs. Real Madrid's El Clásico, though with "less external noise." He acknowledged the respect between the managers: "I always had the feelings of how much we respect each other. Jurgen gave me a lot... in terms of how much I needed to think and work to beat that guy."

The Road to 1,000: A Managerial Masterclass

Guardiola's journey began at Barcelona in 2008, where he replaced Frank Rijkaard against José Mourinho's wishes. His gamble paid off with immediate success – a treble in his first season and the foundation of a possession-based dynasty. After 247 games and 17 trophies, a burnout-influenced exit led to Bayern Munich, where he refined his tactics over 161 games, adding domestic dominance but falling short in Europe.

His arrival at Manchester City in 2016 marked his greatest challenge. In 549 games, he's transformed the club into a global powerhouse, winning 15 major honors including the elusive Champions League. This 1,000th game against Liverpool symbolizes his career-defining rivalry – one where tactical innovation meets relentless pressure.

What's Next for the Maestro?

With Rodri sidelined through injury, City's title challenge faces early adversity. But Guardiola remains focused on the long game: "It is still November and the best part of the season is ahead of us and we need him." His gaze remains fixed on building a legacy that may one day rival Ferguson's 2,000-game benchmark.

As the Etihad crowd roars for this 1,000th game, the stage is set for more than just three points. It's a celebration of managerial genius, a testament to longevity, and the latest chapter in English football's most compelling rivalry.