Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson are often named as the two best managers to have ever graced the Premier League.
Guardiola (six) and Ferguson (13) have won the most league titles in the history of the English top-flight — while also having won the treble during their tenures.
However, the Manchester City boss has been in England for eight years while the Scotsman managed Manchester United in the Premier League for 21 years.
As a result, it is difficult to compare both legendary managers’ spells.
On one hand, one could argue that the £378,846-a-week tactician has dominated the Premier League in a way Sir Alex Ferguson was unable to; becoming the first manager to win four successive league titles in the history of English football.
But then Ferguson’s longevity and accolades won is naturally superior in comparison to Guardiola.
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Maresca gives one-word answer to settle Guardiola-Ferguson debate
Both their tenures will generate a different set of reactions amongst fans, managers and pundits alike based on what they value in great coaches.
Some could side with Pep Guardiola due to him perhaps having a superior peak as a Premier League manager as well as his unique influence on football in England and worldwide.
Others might vouch for Sir Alex Ferguson turning Manchester City into arguably the biggest club in the world.
Regardless, the debate will split opinion amongst many.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca closely worked with Pep Guardiola at City and as a result, he knows more than most how he ensures his team remains successful.
But any manager would have the utmost respect for Ferguson’s career at Old Trafford as well as the likes of Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.
However, when asked to pick the greatest manager in Premier League history by Sky Sports, Maresca replied: “Pep [Guardiola].”
The Italian gave a short and sweet response about his admiration for the Catalan.
Guardiola could further swing the debate over Ferguson this season
If Pep Guardiola wins a fifth consecutive league title in a row with Manchester City, perhaps many that even side with Sir Alex Ferguson could crown the former as the division’s greatest-ever manager.
After all, if winning four league titles on the trot was not already a remarkable accomplishment, to win five would further cement Guardiola’s incredible legacy in English football.
The Spaniard will perhaps not be focused on where he ranks in such debates and set his sights on helping the Sky Blues make more history at the end of the campaign.
But such conversations could become commonplace if Pep Guardiola adds one Premier League winner’s medal to his trophy cabinet.
Considering it seems virtually impossible that any manager will match Guardiola’s dominance of the English football anytime soon, his legacy will age like fine wine once he leaves City; prompting many to hark back at how he raised the bar in an unprecedented manner.
