Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand has ranked Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola as the second-best manager in the history of the Premier League. Ferdinand, who played under legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, unsurprisingly put Ferguson as his No.1. Guardiola is ranked as the runner-up in his top five, followed by Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Jurgen Klopp.
Guardiola’s achievements since arriving at Manchester City in 2016 are undeniable, and most fans would likely agree with Ferdinand’s ranking. With Ferguson having won an incredible 13 league titles, it’s difficult to argue for Guardiola being ranked above the United legend. Even if Guardiola secures another first place this season, he will still not be halfway to Ferguson’s total.
In terms of the rest of Ferdinand’s list, both Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger won 3 titles each during their times at Chelsea and Arsenal respectively, so the fact that Ferdinand puts them joint third is fair. Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp has won a single title, along with six other managers, so some may dispute his position in Ferdinand’s rankings.
Recent news of Klopp leaving Liverpool at the end of the season had prompted some discussion about how long Guardiola will remain in Manchester. However, Guardiola has reassured supporters that he has no plans to leave, stating that he has everything a manager could dream of and feels good at Manchester City.
Guardiola’s current contract expires at the end of next season, and the club will be doing all they can to ensure that he extends his stay. Whether or not his future success will propel him to the top of Ferdinand’s rankings remains to be seen.
