Pep Guardiola undeniably ranks among the greatest managers in the annals of club football, renowned for his consistent title-winning prowess…CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Yet, there exist three esteemed coaches who have successfully thwarted his dominance in domestic leagues. Let’s delve into these exceptional instances of managerial prowess.
1. José Mourinho’s La Liga Triumph (2011/12)
The first manager to halt Guardiola’s league title streak was José Mourinho. During the 2011/12 season, Mourinho, at the helm of Real Madrid, orchestrated a remarkable La Liga victory. His side amassed a staggering 100 points, while Guardiola’s Barcelona trailed with 91 points, securing a second-place finish.
Significantly, this title showdown unfolded in Spain, where both managers were fierce rivals. Notably, Mourinho has not managed to achieve as many points in any subsequent season of his illustrious coaching career.
2. Antonio Conte’s EPL Triumph (2016/17)
Antonio Conte becomes the second coach to outshine Guardiola in league competition. Remarkably, this occurred during the 2016/17 season, which marked the debut campaign for both Conte and Guardiola in the English Premier League.
Conte, steering Chelsea, demonstrated his managerial acumen by accumulating 93 points and clinching the title. In contrast, Guardiola’s Manchester City finished third, amassing a relatively modest 78 points—his lowest-ever points tally as a coach in a domestic league. This season remains the solitary instance in Guardiola’s career where he finished third.
3. Jürgen Klopp’s Premier League Triumph (2019/20)
Jürgen Klopp, hailing from Germany, achieved a remarkable feat in the 2019/20 season while managing Liverpool. His team secured 98 points, edging out Guardiola’s Manchester City by a mere one-point margin to clinch the Premier League title. This enthralling competition showcased Klopp’s tactical brilliance in guiding Liverpool to the pinnacle of English football.
As the current season unfolds, the question lingers: Can any manager thwart the Spanish maestro’s pursuit of the title once again? Only time will tell if another managerial genius will rise to the challenge and disrupt Pep Guardiola’s quest for league supremacy…CONTINUE READING
