Sir Alex Ferguson hails former foe Pep Guardiola as Manchester City boss joins exclusive club
Guardiola's Barcelona beat Ferguson's Man United in two Champions League finals
Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Pep Guardiola’s “deep love and passion for the game” with the Manchester City boss poised to manage his 1000th game on Sunday.
Guardiola, who enjoyed spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich before moving to the Etihad in 2016, will reach the landmark when City play Liverpool at the weekend.
The Catalan has enjoyed enormous success throughout his career and Ferguson was quick to pay tribute.
Speaking as a fellow member of the League Managers Association Hall of Fame 1000 Club, the former Manchester United boss said: “Pep! I am absolutely delighted to welcome you to join the prestigious LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club.
“Your deep love and passion for the game has always been so evident and you should be very proud of the indelible impact you continue to have across the global game.
“Reaching 1,000 matches and achieving such longevity in football is a landmark that can never be underestimated and, to continue to deliver league, Champions League and domestic cup titles in three of Europe’s most competitive leagues is outstanding.
“I look forward to celebrating with you at an LMA gala dinner to formally induct you into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club.”
Guardiola in illustrious company
Guardiola joins the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Sir Matt Busby, Brian Clough, Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger in reaching 1000 games.
He said: “Being a member of the League Managers Association is very important to me so I am really, really honoured to join the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club. I am humbled to be inducted into such an esteemed club that includes Sir Alex Ferguson and many managerial peers that I have enjoyed competing against over the years.
“I am so proud to be reaching 1,000 games as a manager which has always been a special ambition for me.
“I would like to pay tribute to my family and friends for their support over the years as well as my players, staff and colleagues at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City who have helped me to reach this special landmark.”