Rio Ferdinand, a former defender for Manchester United, thinks Pep Guardiola is already in the conversation for "the greatest" football manager of all time and does not need to guide his team to a historic triple.
The 68th-minute goal by Rodri in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final gave the Spanish manager of City his 12th major trophy and made him the first manager to win two European trebles after he had did it with Barcelona in 2009.
Ferdinand, the winner of the Champions League, praised the City manager and used an unexpected artistic comparison to highlight what he believed to be Guardiola's singular vision.
Does he need this game to be acknowledged as one of the greatest, if not the greatest?, he asked BT Sport. We're all, I believe, in agreement, and given how he views the games, he doesn't even require it. Paintings like we've never seen in my lifetime are being created by his crews.Michaelangelo, whichever you want to do it (like Picasso).
Guardiola's team, who needed some incredible saves from Ederson to win the European championship, would never be forgotten, Ferdinand was equally adamant, adding that they were now "immortal. Statues everywhere.Listen, this team has played a style of football that is regarded and admired worldwide. This has been an ongoing undertaking and process for many years.
But the football that these players have generated is extraordinary. Individually, but undoubtedly collectively, this team will become legendary.
"They ought to. A superb team, they have always been able to play both sides of the game and have always been able to dig deep when necessary. That, in my opinion, sets this Manchester City team apart from previous ones. They can pass, they can play fantasy football, but when necessary, they can also dig in, put up a fight, and win games. In this team, balance is key.
Joleon Lescott, a fellow analyst who works with Ferdinand, was a member of the Roberto Mancini-coached Manchester City team that qualified for the Champions League for the first time ever in 2011.
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