Jurgen Klopp Reveals His All-Time Greatest Managers, Praises Guardiola and Ferguson

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shared his personal list of the greatest football coaches in history, singling out Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson for special recognition following his departure from Anfield.

Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Best Football Awards in Doha, Klopp unveiled what he described as his “Mount Rushmore” of football management, identifying four figures he believes have left the most profound mark on the game.

In a statement for the occasion, Klopp highlighted the importance of acknowledging the sport’s most influential minds. Notably, he excluded himself from the list, along with other prominent managers such as José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Arrigo Sacchi.

Klopp’s first choice was Johan Cruyff, whom he credited as the coach who most shaped his understanding of football. He praised Cruyff’s visionary approach and innovative philosophy, describing his influence as unparalleled.

Next came Pep Guardiola. Klopp drew parallels between Guardiola’s tactical intelligence and Cruyff’s legacy, reflecting on the challenges of facing the Spaniard. Over 30 encounters against Guardiola, Klopp recorded 12 wins, 11 losses, and seven draws.

Sir Alex Ferguson was an inevitable inclusion, according to Klopp. He highlighted Ferguson’s remarkable achievements and the personal respect he commands, calling him one of football’s most extraordinary figures. Klopp has previously likened Ferguson to a cultural icon, praising his consistency, leadership, and longevity.

The final spot proved more difficult. After weighing several legendary Italian and Liverpool managers, Klopp ultimately chose Bill Shankly. Although he never saw Shankly in action, Klopp said the enduring impact of Shankly’s philosophy on Liverpool’s identity played a decisive role in his selection.

Klopp’s “Mount Rushmore” thus comprises Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Bill Shankly — a lineup reflecting both tactical brilliance and long-lasting success across football’s different eras.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shared his personal list of the greatest football coaches in history, singling out Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson for special recognition following his departure from Anfield.

Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Best Football Awards in Doha, Klopp unveiled what he described as his “Mount Rushmore” of football management, identifying four figures he believes have left the most profound mark on the game.

In a statement for the occasion, Klopp highlighted the importance of acknowledging the sport’s most influential minds. Notably, he excluded himself from the list, along with other prominent managers such as José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Arrigo Sacchi.

Klopp’s first choice was Johan Cruyff, whom he credited as the coach who most shaped his understanding of football. He praised Cruyff’s visionary approach and innovative philosophy, describing his influence as unparalleled.

Next came Pep Guardiola. Klopp drew parallels between Guardiola’s tactical intelligence and Cruyff’s legacy, reflecting on the challenges of facing the Spaniard. Over 30 encounters against Guardiola, Klopp recorded 12 wins, 11 losses, and seven draws.

Sir Alex Ferguson was an inevitable inclusion, according to Klopp. He highlighted Ferguson’s remarkable achievements and the personal respect he commands, calling him one of football’s most extraordinary figures. Klopp has previously likened Ferguson to a cultural icon, praising his consistency, leadership, and longevity.

The final spot proved more difficult. After weighing several legendary Italian and Liverpool managers, Klopp ultimately chose Bill Shankly. Although he never saw Shankly in action, Klopp said the enduring impact of Shankly’s philosophy on Liverpool’s identity played a decisive role in his selection.

Klopp’s “Mount Rushmore” thus comprises Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Bill Shankly — a lineup reflecting both tactical brilliance and long-lasting success across football’s different eras.