Thiago Alcantara has described Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola as the two greatest coaches he ever played for and outlined the key differences between the pair as managers. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder spoke to Rio Ferdinand in an interview published on July 5, 2026.
Thiago's Experience with Guardiola and Klopp
Thiago played under Guardiola for three seasons at Bayern Munich from 2013 to 2016 before moving to Liverpool in September 2020 for a £25 million fee. He played under Klopp for three years, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and finishing as Champions League runners-up and earning 92 Premier League points in 2022.
Thiago said: "I’ve played for so many good coaches. Carlo (Ancelotti), Luis Enrique, Julen Lopetegui now. But Pep and Klopp, it’s the way they communicate. The way they have an idea and they can express that idea. In those terms they are very similar."
Key Differences Between the Two Managers
Thiago explained the distinct approaches of Guardiola and Klopp. "But then Pep is more [of] the approach of how he sells his idea through tactics. And Klopp is how he sells his idea through the community, the energy, the group. So those are two different approaches of football."
He elaborated: "Many. Many [differences between Guardiola and Klopp]. I came from Barcelona school and everything was slow-cooked. You need to set the timer, have the proper ingredients. And Klopp is: 'OK, open the fridge, let’s take the food out, let’s cook whatever'. The best meal you will have in your life is what we have in the fridge. Different approaches, but at the end you have a great meal."
Thiago's Admiration for Roberto Firmino
Thiago also paid tribute to former Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino, describing him as one of the most intelligent players he ever played with. "I was in love with Bobby (Firmino). Bobby, I think he’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. In training, to do things as a striker, to do things that midfield players did, and scoring goals, wow."
He added: "Because sometimes you meet people in life that you want all good things to happen to them. Bobby was one of them. The way he is as a person, and then suddenly he’s another person playing football. He’s cheeky with the ball, doing things, reading the game, being fast, clever. You have this kind of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde as personality, being the nicest person ever, but then a hell of a football player. He made that mix, and you say, wow."
Thiago concluded: "He did a tunnel here. He did a bike here. And you think: 'OK, maybe he’s arrogant now'. He’s the greatest human being ever."
