England boss Thomas Tuchel described the impact of outgoing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as “one of a kind”.
Guardiola’s departure from City was confirmed on Friday, ending a 10-year spell in charge of the club.
The 55-year-old has won 20 trophies with City, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.
Prior to his appointment at City in 2016, Guardiola enjoyed successful spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Speaking at the England World Cup squad announcement, Tuchel praised Guardiola’s influence.
“The impact he had on every league where he trained, it’s just one of a kind, just one of the very, very, very best,” Tuchel said.
“He made a big revolution with the way he played at Barcelona and then he put everything upside down in the German league, and then he comes here and crushes every record.
“It’s just outstanding. There are no words that can describe this determination and this level of input, it’s just highest, highest level.”
Guardiola’s contribution to City’s success was also praised by one of the club’s most prominent fans, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
Gallagher posted in capitals on his X account: “He came, he conquered, long live the king. Thank you for the good times, Pep.”
Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany says Guardiola inspired his coaching career, having served as his first captain at City.
Kompany said: “I have my own personality, my own character, but I have to thank Pep for his trust and belief that I could become a coach.
“We talked a lot about tactics and technique, but it was a gift for me to work with him because of his absolute will to win everything, no matter what.
“I know that I owe this hunger to become a coach to the years I lived with Pep. I believed in his leadership.”
Hansi Flick, head coach of Guardiola’s old club Barcelona, called the Catalan the “best coach in the world” and wants to see him back in football soon.
Flick said: “Pep is incredible, 10 years at that level. Pep is the best coach in the world.
“He’s proven it year after year, even when things weren’t going well, he knew how to manage the situation. He always finds a solution to improve, you can see it in the titles he’s won.
“He’s exceptional. I wish him a good rest, but I hope he comes back because he’s young.”
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, who as Valencia head coach first faced Guardiola during his time at Barca, will be in the opposition dugout at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for the City manager’s farewell.
Emery said: “It is my honour, my pleasure because he is the best coach in the world, clearly. He is a huge inspiration for other coaches.”
Leeds boss Daniel Farke, who revealed in February he had a “pretty close relationship” with Guardiola, hailed the Spaniard as the finest manager in the modern era.
Farke said: “In our generation Pep is definitely the best. There is no manager who has influenced more, coaches and players, the way he has changed the game.
“He’s only won two cups this season! Not his best, but he’s still at the top and it’s better he leaves when everyone is still singing your name. I think it’s the perfect timing.”
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who is leaving his own job in the summer, said Guardiola’s coaching style left an impact on clubs throughout the leagues he managed in.
“It is massive news because Pep has changed the game. He has done it in different countries, he started in Spain and after went to Germany,” fellow Spaniard Iraola said.
“He has influenced the leagues where he has been coaching, especially the time at Manchester City, I think he has been phenomenal.
“(He is) probably the best manager that I have seen and I have played against as a player and a coach. His legacy is there and I wish him all the best for whatever is the next stage.”
