Pep Guardiola Praises Roberto De Zerbi

Manchester City boss labels Brighton manager as one of the most influential in world football

De Zerbi's tactics and style of play have drawn comparisons to Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola himself

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hailed Roberto De Zerbi as one of the most influential managers in world football.

De Zerbi, who took over at Brighton in September, has impressed with his attacking style of play and has guided the Seagulls to ninth in the Premier League table.

Guardiola, who has won four Premier League titles with City, said: "I am a big admirer of Roberto De Zerbi. He is one of the best coaches in the world."

De Zerbi's tactics have drawn comparisons to Marcelo Bielsa, who managed Leeds United from 2018 to 2022, and Guardiola himself.

Guardiola said: "He is a very attacking coach. He likes to play with a high line and he likes his teams to press the opposition.

"He is a very good coach and I am sure he will have a lot of success in the Premier League."