RIVAL: IT’S WIN OR BUST AT REDS
Results give you time to build what you want.”
Guardiola has a lot of respect for the United boss, who was in charge of Bayern Munich’s reserve team when the Catalan was winning three successive Bundesliga titles.
But the City manager believes the Dutchman’s task on the other side of Manchester has been made a good deal easier by United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League last season. Asked whether Ten Hag has the toughest job in football, Guardiola answered: “I don’t know about that.
“Imagine taking over at United after they had won three Champions Leagues in a row or three Premier Leagues.
“That would be tougher because, you know...
“The bridge is probably lower now because they did not qualify for the Champions League last season. Look at all the managers who have been at United since David Moyes tried to replace Sir Alex.
“Come on, are you going to say they are not all good managers? No way.”
Guardiola added: “I have a lot of admiration for Erik.
“We know a little bit about each other because we were together in
Munich. I don’t know more than that. We don’t have a close relationship.
“But what he has done is absolutely incredible work in Holland.
“If Erik works for United, then good for them.”