Pep Guardiola has agreed with Sam Allardyce’s claim that nobody is ahead of the veteran manager “in football terms”.
Allardyce made a surprise return to top-level management this week when he was appointed Leeds United boss until the end of the season.
Leeds – the ninth Premier League side Allardyce has taken charge of – sit above the relegation zone on goal difference with four matches left to play.
During a press conference on Wednesday, the one-time England manager made headlines by comparing himself to Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.
“Far too many people think I am old and antiquated, which is so far from the truth,” he said.
“I may be 68 and look old but there’s nobody ahead of me in football terms, not Pep, not [Jurgen] Klopp not [Mikel] Arteta, so it’s all there with me.
“I share what they do and I do what I do but in terms of knowledge and depth of knowledge, I’m up there with them. I’m not saying I’m better than them, but certainly as good as they are.”
How did Guardiola react?
On Wednesday, Manchester City scored their 1000th goal under Guardiola during a 3-0 win against West Ham.
Speaking after his side returned to the top of the table, Guardiola was asked about Allardyce’s comments.
“He’s right, I want to be honest,” Pep said.
“Look what happened with Neil Warnock at Huddersfield. These [are] incredible managers. It looks like the young managers, with the tactics or whatever…
“But [the older managers] are really good, they help us be who we are, like Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. They have incredible experience, they know the game perfectly.”
City are one point ahead of title rivals Arsenal having played one game less, and will move four points clear of the Gunners if they beat Allardyce’s Leeds at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
