Guardiola Reflects on 1,000-Game Milestone: “The Numbers Are Insane”

Pep Guardiola will take charge of his 1,000th career match on Sunday when Manchester City host Liverpool in a Premier League blockbuster — and the legendary Spanish coach admits even he is stunned by the scale of his achievements.

Since starting out with Barcelona B in 2007, Guardiola has amassed:

• 715 wins

• 128 losses

• 12 league titles across Spain, Germany, and England

• 3 UEFA Champions League trophies

• 14 domestic cups

“The numbers are insane,” Guardiola told BBC Sport. “If I start again, I would not reach it. It’s too many games. But we’ve done incredible things with Barcelona, Bayern, and now here.”

One of the Greatest? Guardiola Doesn’t Disagree

Guardiola’s influence on modern football is undisputed. His tactical revolution transformed English football, and his relentless pursuit of excellence has brought unprecedented success:

• First Premier League team to hit 100 points

• First to win a domestic treble

• First club to win four straight English league titles

Asked if he agrees with those calling him the greatest manager of all time, Guardiola smiled:

“They are completely right! I’ve had success, and the numbers explain that. But I never started thinking ‘I want to be the best’ — I just loved the game.”

Liverpool the “Biggest Rival”

Guardiola’s 1,000th game comes against familiar foes: Liverpool, the team he’s called “our biggest rival” during his time in England.

• Guardiola has faced Jurgen Klopp more than any other manager (31 times)

• Klopp has beaten him 11 times, more than any other coach

• The two clubs have shared the Premier League title over the past eight seasons

“Liverpool, especially with Jurgen, have been the biggest rival. We pushed each other to new levels. I miss him. He gave me a lot — in football, and in motivation.”

LMA Hall of Fame Induction

The League Managers Association has inducted Guardiola into its Hall of Fame to mark the milestone, with Sir Alex Ferguson praising his longevity and impact on the game.

“Beyond talent, it’s hard work, dedication, and passion. In that, nobody can beat me,” Guardiola said. “To convince players and fight together, that’s the joy.”

Sunday’s clash at the Etihad will be far more than just a title-decider — it will be a celebration of one of the greatest football minds of all time reaching a milestone very few can imagine.