According to Rio Ferdinand, Pep Guardiola stands shoulder to shoulder with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger as one of the greatest figures in football history.

In a recent interview, former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand has hailed Pep Guardiola as one of the greatest managers in Premier League history. Ferdinand, who played under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson for 11 years, believes that Guardiola’s achievements at Manchester City put him in the same league as Ferguson and another iconic manager, Arsene Wenger.

Guardiola’s City side secured their 10th consecutive victory on Saturday, as they aim to become the first team ever to win four consecutive league titles. The team’s star striker, Erling Haaland, marked his return with a brace in a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Everton at the Etihad Stadium. This win briefly propelled City back to the top of the table, with a game in hand.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Ferdinand expressed his admiration for Guardiola and his belief that the City boss will be remembered as one of the best when he eventually retires. “I think whatever happens, he’s up there,” Ferdinand said. “The names that come off the page immediately are Sir Alex Ferguson, he’s the greatest right now, Arsene Wenger. But I’d put Pep right in there amongst them too.”

Ferguson, who managed Manchester United for an incredible 26 years, led the club to 13 league titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies, five FA Cup crowns, and four League Cups. Wenger, on the other hand, spent 22 years at Arsenal, winning the league three times and securing a record seven FA Cups. Ferdinand acknowledged the groundbreaking contributions of both managers, with Ferguson’s longevity and Wenger’s modernization of the sport.

Ferdinand also highlighted Guardiola’s impact on the game, stating that the City manager has influenced “the whole pyramid of football” with his style of play. “Pep Guardiola’s got the whole pyramid of football playing a brand of football that is just trying to copy him,” Ferdinand explained. “He’s changed everything in that sense. So he’s unique, but they are all unique and great in their own separate ways.”

Guardiola’s success at City has been remarkable. Last season, he guided the team to their first-ever Champions League title, completing a treble that matched Ferguson’s iconic Manchester United side from the 1998/99 season. Since joining City in 2016, Guardiola has won five league titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups, and four League Cups.

If Guardiola and City can continue their dominance in the Premier League and successfully defend their FA Cup and Champions League titles, they would become the first team in English football history to achieve back-to-back trebles. With such achievements, Guardiola’s legacy would undoubtedly rival that of Ferguson, solidifying his place among the greatest managers the Premier League has ever seen.