Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has helped praise on Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi saying he is one the most influential managers in the last two decades.
The Spanish coach said this while speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon ahead of City’s game with Brighton at Amex Stadium on Wednesday.
Brighton have already secured a place in the Europa Conference League and could book a place in the Europa League if they secure just a point in either of last two clashes of the season.
“Congratulations to Brighton for this incredible achievement of getting into Europe,” Guardiola said ahead of the game against the Seagulls.
“Roberto De Zerbi is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. There is no team that plays the way they play, it’s unique.
“I had the feeling that when he arrived I had an idea the impact he would have on the Premier League would be great but I couldn’t expect him to do it in such a short time.
“They create on average 20-25 chances per game. They monopolise the ball in a way that hasn’t been seen for a long time. Everybody is involved – the goalkeeper is like a holding midfielder.”
Brighton will be in Europe for the first time in their history and they have achieved that by playing good football.
For City, they head into this game having already lifted the Premier League trophy for a third season in a row and are on a 12-game winning streak.
Despite that, Guardiola anticipates a tough test against Brighton.
“If you don’t play at a high level, he can do whatever he wants against you,” Guardiola added.
“They completely deserve the compliments and the success that they have. It’s one of the teams that I try to learn a lot from, it’s unique.
“It’s going to be an incredible challenge for us ahead of the two finals.”
