Zinedine Zidane Named ‘Best’ Manager to Settle Debate

Three-time Champions League winning manager Zinedine Zidane once revealed who he believed to be the greatest coach between Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson. There has often been a debate regarding the two Manchester-based icons for their work at City and United respectively, and their general European and domestic domination throughout their coaching careers.

Depending on who you speak to, each individual is likely to land on a different side of the coin. However, when Zidane was posed the question, the Frenchman was able to use his expert knowledge from his time as a world-class player and a supremely successful tactician to give his thoughts on who came out on top.

Zidane Chooses Between Guardiola and Ferguson

Speaking to the Guardian back in 2020, Zidane pulled no punches when revealing who he believed to be the greatest manager of all time, opting for the ex-Barcelona head honcho.

However, Guardiola himself holds a different opinion, believing that it is Ferguson who takes the top billing in the managerial world.

“In this country and all around the world, Sir Alex Ferguson is the best,” the City boss stated, as per The Mirror in 2024. “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.

“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.”

Perhaps Guardiola’s respect for Ferguson was most on show when finding out just how many Premier League manager of the month awards the Scot had won during his time at Manchester United, and just how far off he was from matching the total.