Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has paid tribute to Pep Guardiola who has left Manchester City after 10 years in charge.
The Spaniard joined the Citizens from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2016 and went on to win 20 titles, including the Premier League six times and the historic treble in 2023.
Enrique and Guardiola were teammates at Barcelona during their playing career, and were also coaches with the Blaugrana, winning trebles in 2009 and 2015 respectively.
Reflecting on Guardiola’s much-celebrated exit from the Etihad Stadium, Enrique said: “I can’t believe it, and I don’t want to believe it because I would have liked him to stay for many more years.
“That’s what he transmits, the way he’s transformed the game, his ability to bring center-backs or full-backs inside. One day, he’ll position center-backs facing the goal, and everyone will imitate him. Very few are capable of that, and in that respect, he’s number one.”
Guardiola managing Spain national team
Pep has been touted to take charge of La Roja at some point during his career but there has never been an indication when.
He and Enrique were teammates as players with the latter coaching the senior squad between 2018 and 2019. The PSG boss has not ruled out the possibility of Pep taking the job.
“When I was the national team coach, I always wondered if Pep had that desire to become a national team coach,” he added.
“I don’t think it will be with Italy, but we can’t rule it out. I’d like to see Pep stay at the highest level for many more years, not for the trophies; after all, what does the number matter?”
