Pep Guardiola is not used to losing games throughout his managerial career – but the Manchester City boss has admitted there is only three others he will speak to after a defeat that he feels ‘weaker’ against.
The Catalan coach has accumulated several league titles with Barcelona in Spain, Bayern Munich in Germany, and Manchester City in England.
Guardiola has also claimed the Champions League trophy three times as a manager: twice with Barcelona and once with City.
Currently, Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City is set to end at the conclusion of this season, leaving his future at the club uncertain.
Throughout his managerial career, the 53-year-old boasts a win rate of 72.79% and has lost only 108 out of 926 matches with Barcelona’s first and second teams, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
Despite his impressive record, Guardiola has experienced defeat 63 times at City, though this is relatively low compared to the 476 matches he has overseen at the Etihad Stadium.
Additionally, Guardiola has mentioned that he consults with three current Premier League managers after losses, who are either his fellow countrymen or individuals he has previously collaborated with.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca both served on Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City before stepping into their own managerial roles.
West Ham United’s Julian Lopetegui is the third manager Guardiola consults after defeats, as he maintains friendships with all three outside of football.
When asked by Sky Sports if he connects with other managers after matches, Guardiola responded, “Sometimes, with friends like Mikel, Julen Lopetegui, and Enzo Maresca, and also Roberto De Zerbi. I enjoy these interactions, whether we win or lose, especially with those I have a personal connection with. I prefer to avoid conversations with others when we lose; I need time to process the defeat on my own.”
He also mentioned that he feels ‘weaker’ when coaching against certain managers, which affects his preference for such encounters.