Pep Guardiola's Bizarre Claim After Liverpool Draw

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, March 19. Guardiola's side required a second-half goal from Sergio Aguero to take a point from Liverpool. PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty

Despite a career that boasts almost 40 major trophies with some of the world's biggest football clubs, Pep Guardiola regarded Sunday's wet and windy stalemate with Liverpool as one of the "most special days" of his career.

Manchester City required a second-half equalizer from Sergio Aguero to take a point off of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool and retain its position as third in the Premier League.

But coming after City's dramatic Champions League exit to Monaco in midweek was the reason behind Guardiola's pride at the spirit his team showed Sunday.

"It is one of the most special days of my life," Guardiola said, as quoted by the Daily Mail. "Why? Because we lived through a tough two days after being out of the Champions League with our mood at what happened in Monaco. I could see in training, the guys were so sad.

"Then playing Liverpool, when all week they were preparing for the game. We fought until the last minute and put everything out on the pitch. We did all we could. That is why I am so, so happy.

"It is one of the days I'm most proud of in my career. Being coach of these guys, more than ever, I want to help this club—if they want to stay with me the next few years—to take the next step forward."

And next for City, after the international break, is a trip to the capital. Guardiola's side travels to the Emirates Stadium on April 2 to face Arsenal and, three days later, takes on Premier League champion-elect Chelsea.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go