Rio Ferdinand has revealed what Pep Guardiola tells him when they speak on the phone.
Pep Guardiola seems to have quite a close relationship with the popular pundit, despite his ties with Manchester United.
On TNT Sports, Ferdinand stated that Guardiola told him before Manchester City’s 4-1 win against Real Madrid last season that his side would beat Los Blancos.
The Englishman faced Guardiola’s Barcelona sides in the Champions League final in 2009 and 2011, with his United team losing 2-0 and 3-1 respectively.
What Pep Guardiola tells Rio Ferdinand on the phone all the time
After Manchester City cruised past West Ham United with a 3-1 win on Sunday, Rio Ferdinand disclosed what Pep Guardiola tells him on the phone constantly.
Via TNT Sports, the pundit said: “I talk to Pep [Guardiola] quite a lot on the phone…four in a row has been on his mind before this season started.”
“He messages me taking the mick, ribbing me, ‘If we win, we’re past Man United’…there’s a hunger and desire for him to overtake Man United.”
Unsurprising to find out that Pep Guardiola feels this way
Being the serial winner Pep Guardiola is, it is unsurprising that Rio Ferdinand has made this revelation about him, in our view.
Manchester United are the most successful team in the Premier League era, winning 13 titles during Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure.
During his time at City, Guardiola has won six in eight years.
With United being the gold standard for success in the Premier League as well as City’s rivalry with them, Guardiola naturally wants to usurp them as Manchester’s ultimate footballing force.
The fact that Rio Ferdinand also touched on how Pep Guardiola had his sights set on winning four titles in a row before the season started is an indication of such a desire.
From a personal perspective as well, the Catalan must also be aiming to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson to be unanimously viewed as the greatest manager in Premier League history.
If Pep Guardiola stays at Manchester City for several more years, he could outdo the Scot and make his side the most successful club in the league’s history.