Old Rivalry Rekindled: A Brief History of Pep Guardiola’s Relationship With Thomas Tuchel

• Thomas Tuchel will cross swords against Pep Guardiola once again in the Champions League
• The two tacticians will be meeting for the fourth time in a cup competition
• Here is a look at what the relationship is like between the Man City and Bayern gaffers

Manchester City will host Bayern Munich at the Etihad on Tuesday for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.

The gigantic encounter will see Pep Guardiola competing against his nemesis Thomas Tuchel, who led Chelsea to victory over Man City in the 2021 Champions League final.

Both City and Bayern have had trouble defending their respective domestic championships this season, despite playing nearly flawlessly in Europe.

Guardiola has spent the last seven years at the club without winning a European crown, but this year, his team has been picked as the favourite to bring home the prize finally.

Raheem Sterling claims he shares a funny similarity to Eden Hazard

Football

The only team standing between them and a spot in the semi-finals is Tuchel's Bayern, but the former Chelsea manager is confident his team can get a result and revealed their gameplan after knocking out Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16.

As the two modern footballing rivals lock horns in the Champions League quarterfinals first leg in England, Sports Brief takes a look at what the relationship is like between Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel.

Bundesliga times

In 2013, Guardiola became Bayern Munich's manager, and Tuchel was in charge of Mainz, a mid-table team. They weren't exactly "rivals" back then, but that all changed in 2015–16 when Thomas was named Borussia Dortmund's new manager.

Despite finishing seventh the year before, Dortmund put up a valiant effort and finished second that season, with Bayern winning the league.

Guardiola compares Haaland to Messi, Ronaldo after stunning bicycle kick

Football

However, Pep departed to join Man City the very next season.

The fateful night in the restaurant

According to Sun Football, Guardiola first met Tuchel in a restaurant in Munich in 2014, and they then exclusively discussed football for the next few hours.

To have a better visual understanding of each other's game plans, they even used salt and pepper mills as players while discussing tactics.

The two managers' friendship is thought to have been solidified on that particular evening.

Tuchel idolises Guardiola

Prior to being hired as the Blues manager, Tuchel reportedly spoke with Pep on the phone to discuss his desire to manage Chelsea. Isn't that interesting?

In an interview with Chelsea's media team, Tuchel disclosed, via Football London:

"[Pep's Barcelona team] taught me everything there is to know about this game, that you can play [football] well and win everything.

You can attack while maintaining a fierce defense; you can do it with the academy guys, and so on. Pep has had a significant influence up until this point.

Fans claim Lampard could be sacked soon due to Chelsea's tough upcoming fixtures

Football

Every time I watch a game featuring him, I get the impression that I will learn something new and about football.Being in the same league and competing at the same level once more is now a significant challenge.

Guardiola's opinion on Tuchel

As reported by Metro, Guardiola heaped high praises on Tuchel after he was named the new Chelsea manager:

"He's a great manager, so I have no doubts about his ability to succeed. I'm pleased to see him in this nation.

I played against him at Mainz and then at Dortmund when I was at Bayern Munich.The way Dortmund played that season was outstanding, and he did an outstanding job.

"To win that championship, Bayern Munich and I fought hard. He is one of my friends, and I am glad to see him.

Head-to-head

October 2013: Bayern Munich 4-1 Mainz – Bundesliga

March 2014: Mainz 0-2 Bayern Munich – Bundesliga

Bayern boss Tuchel threatens Man City's Champions League dream once more

Football

October 2015: Bayern Munich 5-1 Dortmund – Bundesliga

March 2016: Dortmund 0-0 Bayern Munich – Bundesliga

May 16: Bayern Munich* 0-0 Dortmund (Bayern won 4-3 on penalties) – DFB Pokal

April 2021: Chelsea 1-0 Man City – FA Cup

May 2021: Man City 1-2 Chelsea – Premier League

May 2021: Man City 0-1 Chelsea – Champions League

September 2021: Chelsea 0-1 Man City – Premier League

January 2022: Man City 1-0 Chelsea – Premier League

Haaland’s goal-scoring record vs Bayern

Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported that City will certainly rely on Haaland for goals, particularly against Bayern as the Norwegian has a decent record against the German giants.

Putting aside the fact that Haaland has scored 44 goals across all competitions this campaign, the 22-year-old also has a knack for scoring against the Bavarians and has five goals in seven games against them.

However, that record only tends to please Haaland on individual record because a deeper look at those stats will show that in all those games, he has ended up on the losing side of games against Bayern.

Benfica relying on 'extraordinary' Ramos in Inter clash

Football

Tuchel 'slaps' Coman

Sports Brief has also reported the heartwarming encounter between Kingsley Coman and Thomas Tuchel ahead of their Champions League tie against Manchester City.

The Frenchman's goal denied Tuchel his first Champions League crown, but he quickly made amends the following season with Chelsea.

Three years on, Coman and Tuchel are now on the same team, and the tactician reminded the 26-year-old of the pain he caused him in 2020 by giving him a 'small slap'.