The universe had decided that Liverpool would be the opponents on Pep Guardiola’s landmark day, he had said. And for the manager who changed the footballing world, there may have been no more gratifying way to enter the 1,000 club. It was a grand day for Guardiola, in every sense.
Guardiola’s first 999 games had contained victories over many a manager, but not Arne Slot. The Dutchman had a done a double over the Catalan and taken his Premier League title. A third meeting was chastening for a coach influenced and inspired by his Manchester City counterpart. This became one of Guardiola’s most emphatic wins in an enduring duel. “The players and staff give me an incredible present with the most important opponent we play in my 10 years here,” he said. “It was a special night with my kids here.”
