Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher ignited debate with his assessment that Jurgen Klopp surpasses Arsene Wenger as a Premier League manager.

During a podcast on Stick to Football, Carragher hailed Pep Guardiola as the league’s greatest manager. Guardiola’s reign at Manchester City spanned eight years, during which he clinched an impressive 17 titles, including six Premier League triumphs, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two FA Community Shields, one Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Carragher placed Sir Alex Ferguson as the second-best manager, despite Ferguson securing only one Premier League title in his first seven years at Manchester United. However, Ferguson’s illustrious 27-year tenure yielded an impressive 37 trophies, including a record 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.

Jose Mourinho was Carragher’s third choice, with his successful stints at Chelsea resulting in two Premier League titles. However, Mourinho’s subsequent spells at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur failed to replicate that success.

The most contentious point arose when Carragher ranked Klopp above Wenger, primarily citing their Champions League records. While Wenger guided Arsenal to a Champions League final in 2006, ultimately losing to Barcelona, Klopp steered Liverpool to three finals in over eight years, clinching the trophy in 2019.

Carragher justified his stance by emphasizing Klopp’s Champions League triumph and his role in Liverpool’s competitive edge against Manchester City in the Premier League.

On social media, Jack Wilshere challenged Carragher’s viewpoint, asserting Wenger’s unparalleled legacy in the Premier League. Wilshere highlighted Wenger’s transformative impact at Arsenal, including his role in the club’s unbeaten Premier League triumph.

Wilshere also drew comparisons between Wenger and Guardiola, acknowledging both managers’ significant contributions to English football.

Wenger’s remarkable tenure at Arsenal, spanning from October 1996 to May 2018, saw the club claim three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and a streak of 20 consecutive Champions League appearances. Wenger’s influence extended beyond on-field success, with his innovations in sports science and facility development leaving an indelible mark on the English game.

Klopp, who led Liverpool from 2015 until his recent departure due to exhaustion, secured eight titles during his tenure, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup.