Pep Guardiola speaks out on Sir Alex Ferguson days after Man Utd icon axed

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson, describing him as the greatest manager in football history. He also made it clear that he has no plans to remain at Manchester City solely to outdo the former Manchester United boss.

In a week where it was revealed that Ferguson had been dismissed from his £2million-a-year ambassadorial role at Old Trafford, Guardiola offered the 82 year old Scot the highest praise.

Guardiola is currently considering his own future at City after securing the Premier League title six times in his eight seasons at the Etihad – including an unprecedented four consecutive wins.

Ferguson led United to 13 titles over a span of 26 years. Despite this, Guardiola expressed satisfaction just being mentioned in the same breath.

Guardiola stated: “In this country and all around the world, Sir Alex Ferguson is the best. For the time, for the change of teams, for the trophies.

“Being close to one of the most important managers of all time is more than enough. It’s an incredible honour for me and for all the staff, all the assistants and all the players I’ve had. It’s not just an honour for me.

“When people say ‘Pep is one of the best’ that’s because of the players I had, the assistant managers and the assistant coaches – and we have had many.

“All of them create this sense that we are good – and that is enough. I don’t fight for anything else.

“For the United fans, it’s always Sir Alex. Absolutely fine.

“I’m not saying I’m a bad manager, otherwise I could not be here for a long time and be a success. But to be the best or not the best, believe me, it’s not important.

“So my contenders as a manager? Jurgen Klopp made me a better manager, Jose Mourinho made me a better manager, Mikel Arteta now is making me a better manager.

“We need that, so it’s happening. But to be the very best is not, I think, honestly, it’s not the point.”

Guardiola’s contract with City expires at the end of the season, and the club’s owners are attempting to convince him to extend his tenure beyond a decade. However, this summer will see the departure of one of Guardiola’s closest allies, Txiki Begiristain, who will step down as director of football and be succeeded by Hugo Viana.