Pep Guardiola has praised one of the candidates to replace him at Manchester City as one of the game’s ‘most influential managers’.
Over the weekend City were confirmed as Premier League champions for a third year in a row, an achievement which was celebrated after Sunday’s 1-0 win against Chelsea.
Guardiola heavily rotated his side for that match and permitted his squad to party that evening, but with two cup finals on the horizon, it’s time to knuckle down again.
That’s partly because City will use their remaining two league fixtures to prepare for the FA Cup and Champions League finals, but also because Guardiola is going head-to-head with one of the best coaches around.
Roberto de Zerbi has enjoyed a remarkable first season at Brighton, guiding the Seagulls to Europa League qualification after replacing Graham Potter in September.
The Italian coach has implemented relentlessly attacking style, and has even been touted by some fans and journalists as the future heir to Guardiola’s City throne.
What did Guardiola say?
Speaking ahead of City’s trip to Brighton on Wednesday, Guardiola explained why De Zerbi is a unique coach.
“Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years,” the City boss said.
“There is no team playing in the way they play, it’s unique. I have the feeling [that when he] arrived in the Premier League, the impact would be great.
“I couldn’t expect in this short time. [His team] creates 20-25 chances in each game. Monopolises the ball, everyone is involved, their keeper is like a holding midfielder.
“If you don’t play at a high level he can do what he wants. They deserve the compliments and success they have.
“I try to learn a lot, is unique, like a Michelin star restaurant. The best cook in Catalonia changes completely the cuisine, Brighton is playing unique. It’s special, the way they move. It’s an incredible challenge for us.
When asked what he’s learned from De Zerbi, Guardiola said:
“The time to make decisions. Brighton is a master of [not only] passing to the man free, but when [to do so]. Moving at the right time.
“[They are] the best team in the world for the tempo and the pass to the man free. How aggressive without the ball, Potter instilled something really good.
“The way they do the process with the keeper. When the opponent moves, I move, pass the ball. With the right tempo, they are the best.”
