Manchester City claimed 17 major trophies in the 10 seasons Pep Guardiola spent at the Etihad. Pause on that figure. Across his entire 17-year managerial career, Guardiola has lifted 41 trophies — and he has won the league title in 12 of those 17 seasons.

For context, Carlo Ancelotti, a manager with more years in the profession, has won six league titles. Sir Alex Ferguson reached 49 trophies, but across 39 years. The numbers make a strong opening argument — yet, at this level of the conversation, trophies are merely the entry fee.

A career that began with a provocation