Guardiola is football's 'only genius' - Emery

Guardiola is football's 'only genius' - EmeryImage source, Getty ImagesByNick MashiterFootball reporterPublished22 May 2026Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has labelled Pep Guardiola "the only genius" in football before his final Manchester City game. The City boss steps down after a decade and 20 trophies at the Etihad, with Villa's visit in the Premier League on Sunday his finale.Emery started facing Guardiola's all-conquering Barcelona side with Valencia in 2008 and knows the impact he has made on the game."He is the best coach in the world. He is a huge inspiration for other coaches. The only genius is him," he said. "As a competitor, wow. Always, every day, I can understand more how he is managing his team through the chapters."It's my pleasure to play against Guardiola. It's my honour to face him."I was starting in Valencia and four years in a row we were competing - Barcelona and Valencia - and it was his best moment in Barcelona. His impact was crazy good and we were always finishing third."I didn't beat him. They were asking me in the press conference, you can't beat Guardiola. I answered, if I am keeping my position to face him it's really been fantastic."I beat him here after a long time with Aston Villa and always how he shows me massive respect is something I appreciate a lot."Related topicsFootballAston VillaManchester City