Josep Guardiola undoubtedly left his mark on English football during his 10-year spell at Manchester City. He became the first manager to win four consecutive Premier League titles and revolutionized the domestic game as we know it. Over the past decade, countless clubs across the country have adopted variations of his possession-based style of play with varying degrees of success.
But all great things must come to an end, and that time has finally come for Guardiola. He is due to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season and is expected to take an extended break before returning to the dugout elsewhere. He remains a legend in every sense of the word and made a convincing case to be known as the greatest manager in the history of English football.
His enormous influence on the English game, along with his incredible track record at City, some would argue is greater than any head coach who has ever graced the touchline.
However, not everyone agrees with that assessment. Some would argue that Sir Alex Ferguson deserves that honor, having turned Manchester United into the world’s biggest football powerhouse during his 26-year tenure.
Arsene Wenger also deserves to be included in the conversation as the only manager to finish an unbeaten Premier League season.
Going back further, there are many other candidates, including Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly, who are also respected by many fans of a certain age.
Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson, both of whom enjoyed success with unflattering Ipswich Town before managing the England team, are considered among the greatest of all time.
Ramsey, of course, is the only manager to win a silver medal with the Three Lions, most famously leading them to World Cup glory in 1966.
You can also look north of the border, where Jock Stein led Celtic to European glory in 1967, winning nine successive Scottish titles.
But given what the outgoing City manager has done over the past decade, is there ever a greater manager than Guardiola? Please let us know your opinion in the survey above.
