Liverpool manager Arne Slot has described Pep Guardiola’s contract extension as “good news” for both Manchester City and the Premier League.
Guardiola, who has been at the helm of City since 2016, signed a new two-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.
Under Guardiola, City has won six Premier League titles, including two narrow victories over Liverpool teams managed by Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds claimed the title in 2020, and the rivalry between the two clubs has become one of the Premier League’s most intense.
Slot, who replaced Klopp in the summer, has guided Liverpool to the top of the Premier League, five points ahead of second-placed City after 11 games.
Commenting on Guardiola’s new contract, Slot said: “It’s good news for City and for the league because everyone wants the best managers and the best players here.”
“He is definitely one of the best managers, maybe the best manager of the league.
“He’s won four titles in a row so it’s fair to say he’s maybe the best manager in the league.
“On the other hand, they have so many quality players that, if he would have made the choice to leave, I wouldn’t have expected them to end up bottom of the league next season.”
Slot, speaking before his side’s trip to play Southampton on Sunday (14:00 GMT), added that Guardiola was “one of the best managers football has ever had”.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has won 18 trophies at City, including the Champions League in 2023.
‘A challenge to compete with him’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who worked as Guardiola’s assistant at City from 2016 to 2019, dismissed suggestions the contract extension would hamper his own ambitions to win the Premier League.
“We can only do what is up to us. We have to be at our very best to try and achieve what we want. What the others do, it’s not our decision,” Arteta said.
“If it is what he really wants, and I’m sure it is, I congratulate him – I already did it. I’m happy for him because I want the best for him.”
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler echoed Slot’s sentiments, calling it the “best thing that can happen to the Premier League”.
Hurzeler said: “He is one of the best coaches in the world. With his ideas, he always brings something new to the football stage and it is always a challenge to compete against him.
“He always adapts quickly, always has new ideas and he can always win the game. I’m very happy because we can learn from him and to compete with him is a big, big experience.”
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe added: “He’s contributed so much to English football. He’s revolutionised how a lot of teams play.
“I think he’s incredibly talented and it’s good for the English game that he’s still here.
“He will continue to develop and evolve his style and people will potentially continue to follow that. From the competition side, I think it keeps the Premier League as the best in the world.”
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui was another to welcome the news his Spanish compatriot had signed a new deal.
“It’s always good that the best coaches decide to continue in the Premier League and for sure, Pep is one of the best,” Lopetegui said.
“I am happy for him, he is a friend of mine so yes, I am happy for him.”