Red Star Belgrade manager Barak Bakhar has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City.
The 43-year-old hailed the Spaniard in his pre-match press conference.
So, what did Barak Bakhar say about Pep Guardiola? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the 52-year-old was very complimentary about the Israeli tactician in his own press conference on Monday afternoon, claiming that Red Star Belgrade play an “aggressive” style under his guidance.
Manchester City’s official website quote Guardiola as saying: “So aggressive… we have to be ready. Quick in the transitions, good runners.
“I saw last season (Bakhar was) with Maccabi Haifa in a difficult group against Juventus, Benfica and PSG. What I saw, because we saw a little bit, my staff analysed what he has done with Maccabi Haifa against Mbappe, Messi and Neymar, for example. Very impressed with the courage and bravery to play against them.”
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Speaking about this praise from Guardiola, Bakhar said: “It’s nice to hear that from the best coach in the history of football, for me.”
Manchester City face tough test against Red Star Belgrade
Despite his praise for Guardiola, Bakhar was keen to keep himself and his Red Star Belgrade side focused ahead of tonight’s encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
He added: “With all due respect, we have a game and we need to play good and make a good result. I don’t need compliments, I need a good game.”
Clearly, Bakhar means business, despite his respect for the £378,846-a-week Guardiola.
Red Star Belgrade may lack big name players on the European stage, although the Serbian giants are a well-coached unit who can cause anyone problems on their day.
Therefore, Manchester City must bring their A game tonight – to say the least.