His football might be the primary reason Whites worship the Argentine head coach, but the wit, wisdom and philosophy of the following memorable quotes have also played a part.
1. On Phillips' centenary game winner
"Sometimes God puts things in the right place. Phillips has continued to play here at the club and now he will stay in the history of the club for this goal. I feel it is a fair act from God." Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
2. On player behaviour
"We don't have to talk with the opponent or show bad behaviour away from the play. I know that it is easy to say that if you're not playing. I think that acting with good behaviour, good intentions, is always positive."
3. On referees
"I repeat what I always say on this matter. The most difficult thing in football is being a referee. I think that if we don't comment about their decision, we help them."
4. On Andrea Radrizzani
"The owner has shown a lot of generosity about everything. We cannot think of better conditions, better facilities. The staff, fitness staff, chefs, nutritionists, groundstaff, cleaners, security, there is a lot of investment."
5. On English lower leagues
"I always pay attention to what is happening in divisions like League One and League Two because the football is more natural, it is not contaminated and when you see this kind of football it produces a lot of emotions."
6. On Pablo
"When he plays well the team plays well. He is a player who makes his team-mates play. When he plays as a play-maker he has impact in all the pitch. What he does best is move the ball."