“He was grabbing players by their shirts, even Lionel Messi” – Martin Keown explains why Pep Guardiola is greatest-ever football manager

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has tipped Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as the greatest ever. The Spaniard is well known as one of the greatest tacticians of the game and has savored great success with clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

Guardiola led the Sky Blues to a treble of Premier League, Champions Trophy, and FA Cup in the previous season as the club became the first English club to achieve the landmark since legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United did so back in 1999.

Keown recalled Barcelona’s training session at Arsenal’s training ground back in 2011. The former Gunners player said Guardiola had no respite for his players, even for Lionel Messi.

Keown wrote in his column for Daily Mail, “It was at the Arsenal training ground when Barcelona came to work, before playing in a Champions League final at Wembley. I stayed behind, watching from a window — I wanted to see what I could learn about them.

“…Another signal and it was shooting practice. He was grabbing players by their shirts, even Lionel Messi. Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff were roughing up the forwards, creating resistance as they were trying to score. It was a privilege to watch him work up close.”

Keown revealed why he regards Pep Guardiola as the best in the business.

“Since coming here in 2016, this is the man who has transformed English football. He has created the best team we have seen on these islands with his coaching and methods of play.

“I recently commented on Match of the Day about Manchester City’s five trophies, all lined up, a show of dominance and force. If I were still competing against them, I might like to stumble and accidentally knock one over.”

“But I do like what they have created. The way City’s players celebrated together with their manager after winning at Newcastle in their last game. A band of brothers, a team united.

“A symbol of their togetherness — and there he was. Pep, right in the middle of it. I liked that. It looked pure. If I am picking my greatest manager, he has to be No 1. Then there are Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp,” he added.

Manchester City will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.