Brighton coach Robert De Zerbi has said Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola acted as his inspiration for him to became a coach.
The Italian said this while speaking to Sky Sports after leading his Brighton and Hove Albion side to a 1-1 draw with Champions Manchester City at Amex Stadium.
Julio Enciso scored a stunning equaliser for Brighton to cancel out Phil Foden’d early opener to ensure an end to end game ended level on scores.
“I became a coach because of him,”De Zerbi told Sky Sports.
“I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not, but I became a coach for him because I loved his Barcelona and I studied him a lot.
“I don’t love to copy anybody, but I took [things from him] when I started to be a coach, and before, also, when I finished as a player. Pep is still No 1.”
The draw against Manchester City ensured the Seagulls will finish in sixth place, the best season in the club’s history.
They will be one of the sides that will represent England in next season’s Europa League along with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
In the last game of the Premier League season, De Zerbi’s side will battle with Aston Villa, who are also still fighting for a European spot.
