Pep Guardiola has coached numerous elite players, yet he harbors a wish to have coached a particular ex-Manchester United star. The celebrated Catalan, who stands as Manchester City’s most decorated manager, might even eclipse Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievements if he steers the Blues to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title.
However, it was at a 2017 charity golf event in Belfast, hosted by Rory McIlroy, where actor and devoted United supporter James Nesbitt posed a revealing question.
He inquired of the former Barcelona coach about which past United player he wished he had managed.
Guardiola’s response was immediate, identifying a player who embodied the qualities ideal for Barcelona. “Ah, Paul Scholes,” he stated, according to the Manchester Evening News. “My favourite player.”
Scholes has often been lauded by those connected to Barcelona, with Guardiola previously proclaiming him “the best midfielder of his generation,” and expressing a wish that they had played together. “Out of everyone at Manchester United, I would pick out Scholes – he is the best midfielder of his generation,” Guardiola remarked before the 2011 Champions League final at Wembley.
“I would have loved to have played alongside him.” Yet, Guardiola has not limited his praise to Scholes alone; he also holds Scholes’ longtime midfield partner in high regard. He equates Michael Carrick with Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets, both of whom he coached.
“I am a big fan of Michael [Carrick],” Guardiola commented before a 2017 Manchester derby. “He is one of the best holding midfielders I’ve ever seen in my life by far. He’s at the level of Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets.”