Guardiola and Klopp have undoubtedly had a profound impact on the Premier League. Their intense rivalry has driven the league to incredible heights. However, it’s worth considering how their rivalry stacks up against some of the greatest managerial rivalries in Premier League history.

Think of the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez, or even Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp. Each of these rivalries was unique, but all of them had a huge impact on the Premier League and made it the spectacle that it is today. So, how does Guardiola and Klopp’s rivalry measure up against these other great rivalries?

 

5. Ferguson vs Kevin Keegan

The 1995-96 title race between Manchester United and Newcastle United was one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history. Alex Ferguson was the experienced veteran, while Kevin Keegan was the charismatic newcomer. The two managers had different styles, making for a thrilling race to the finish. Manchester United won by just four points, and Keegan’s “I will love it” rant will be remembered forever.

 

4. Jurgen klopp vs Pochettino

The rivalry between Klopp and Pochettino began in 2015 when they were both managers in the Premier League. Klopp’s Liverpool side was always a tough test for Pochettino’s Tottenham team. The two managers were often caught exchanging comments about each other’s teams in the media.

In 2019, they faced off in the Champions League final with Liverpool emerging victorious. Despite the disappointment of defeat, Pochettino’s praise for Liverpool was clear, and the two managers have since learned to respect each other.

 

3. Rafa Benitez vs Jose Mourinho

The feud between Mourinho and Benitez was particularly bitter, and the personal attacks became increasingly vicious. Benitez accused Mourinho of being a “disgrace to football” and said that he would never shake his hand again. Mourinho responded by calling Benitez a “little man” and a “failure”. The level of vitriol between the two managers was unlike anything the Premier League had ever seen before. It was clear that there was genuine hatred between the two men.

It’s amazing to think that these two men were once colleagues at Barcelona, working under Sir Bobby Robson.

 

2. Pep Guardiola vs Jurgen Klopp

The rivalry between Klopp and Guardiola has been one of the most compelling in football, and it will be missed when Klopp eventually leaves Liverpool.

The margins between the teams managed by the two have been so fine over the years. It speaks volumes about the quality of both managers that title races between the two often came down to the wire. This final showdown for the Premier League title before Klopp departs is an exciting prospect.

The intensity of their rivalry, both on and off the pitch, is clear for all to see, and it seems that Guardiola enjoyed the challenge of facing Klopp.

The statistics show just how closely matched the two managers were, with Klopp often finding a way to get the better of Guardiola.

 

1. Alex Ferguson vs Arsene Wenger

The rivalry between Ferguson and Wenger is the best among the greatest managerial rivalries in Premier League history. The “Battle of the Buffet” perfectly encapsulates the tension that ran between them. The two managers had very different styles and approaches, and clashes between their teams were always highly anticipated. The pizza-throwing incident was just one of many moments that defined their rivalry, which added a lot of excitement to the Premier League during that period.

These two never shied away from conflict, and the rivalry only seemed to get more intense over time. Ferguson was often critical of Wenger’s spending and accused him of not knowing “what reality is”, while Wenger accused Ferguson of being a “master of propaganda” and a “little bit insecure”.