Bruno Fernandes hails rival manager as ‘the best in the world’

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has hailed Man City’s Pep Guardiola as the “best coach in the world”.

Guardiola is widely considered to be one of, if not the, greatest managers of all time, having enjoyed copious amounts of success during spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

With six domestic league titles and two UEFA Champions Leagues with Barca and Bayern, Guardiola has gone on to collect a remarkable five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and another European trophy during his time at City – winning the treble last season at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking in an interview with A Bola, despite being manager of his club’s arch rivals’ manager,Fernandes admitted there is no doubt about Guardiola being the best there currently is.

“We are talking about the best coach in the world, without a shadow of a doubt. In recent years, he has been the best coach in the world. He is probably the coach who changed the game of football the most,” the Portugal midfielder said.

“Everyone wants to be Guardiola. Teams from the second to the first divisions all try to play like Man City because of their results and success.

“Receiving praise from coach like Guardiola is spectacular because, as I said, we are talking about a coach that I really appreciate and who, for me, is the best coach in the world.”

As well as heaping praise upon the Man City manager, Fernandes was also keen to express his fondness of Jurgen Klopp too, revealing that he appreciates the Liverpool manager’s passion.

“[Klopp] is one of the coaches I appreciate the most, for the intenstisty he brings to games and the passion he has for football.

“I think what he’s done [deciding to leave Liverpool at the end of the season] is another demonstration of how much he loves football. He feels that, if he is not at his best, he is not giving his best to the game. I think like that too, in the same way as him.

“He is a coach who really influences my passion for football.”

Fernandes faced off against Klopp’s Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals this past weekend, helping his side to a dramatic win over their rivals at Old Trafford – playing the full 120 minutes of the eventual 4-3 victory. But while he has tasted success against Liverpool this season, Guardiola’s City have been a tougher opponent, beating Man Utd by an aggregate score of 6-1 in the Premier League.