Pep Guardiola snubs Lionel Messi to name ‘greatest player in history of football’

Pep Guardiola snubs Lionel Messi to name 'greatest player in history of football'

Pep Guardiola enjoyed a front-seat view as Lionel Messi broke record after record at Barcelona.

The Manchester City manager has been involved with some of the best European sides, including Bayern Munich.

Despite watching Messi at close quarters – and also guiding his Man City squad to six Premier League titles – Guardiola believes the greatest footballer ever belongs to Bayern.

“No other player is like Thomas Muller,” explained Guardiola in a tribute shared for the midfielder by Bayern’s official website.

“He’s one of the greatest players in the history of FC Bayern and of football. Not only because of his many titles but also because he’s fully focused when his team needs him.”

When asked if Muller is an underrated talent compared to the bigger superstars, Guardiola replied: “No. Football fans from all over the world know how important he is on the pitch.

“He’s a clever, unpredictable player who always knows where he has to go.”

During their time together at Bayern, Muller played 148 times under Guardiola – more than he’s played for any other coach.

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