Pep Guardiola: ''De Zerbi is one of the best managers in the last 20 years.''

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola regards Roberto De Zerbi "as one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years".

On Wednesday, the Seagulls will face City at the Amex Stadium and the five-time Premier League champion gave high praise to the Italian manager.

“I am pretty convinced I am right in what I am saying: he is one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years,” Guardiola said. “There is no team playing in the way they play. It’s unique.

“I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have on the Premier League would be great, I couldn’t expect him to do it in this short of a team.

“They create 20-25 chances on average per game, he’s better by far than all the opponents, they monopolise the ball in a way I’ve never seen for a long, long time. Everyone’s involved, the goalkeeper’s like a holding midfielder.

“They deserve completely the compliments and the success that they have. It’s one of the teams I try and learn a lot from. It’s unique.

“It’s like a Michelin star restaurant, it’s unique. In Catalonia there was (the restaurant) El Bulli by Ferran Adria, the best cook for many, many years and he changed completely the cuisine. I think the way Brighton is playing is something unique, it’s special.  The way they move. And it’s a good incredible challenge for us to prepare for the two finals.”

And when asked  what they do that makes them so special, Guardiola said: '(The) time to take decisions. Brighton are the masters of when to pass to the free men - they are the best at that in the world.

'The right tempo and the free men. How aggressive they are with the ball is the same as (it was under previous manager Graham) Potter, and the way they do the process and use the keeper, when to pass the ball, they are the best.'

At the age of 43, the Italian took over as the head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion in September, succeeding Graham Potter. 

In his debut season, De Zerbi has achieved a significant milestone by securing European football for the club, marking the first time in their history.

🗣️ “Pay attention to what I’m about to say because I’m convinced in what I’m saying that [Roberto De Zerbi] is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. Brighton deserve the compliments and success.”

Pep Guardiola has high praise for the Brighton boss.👏 pic.twitter.com/CfQ4frjjbZ

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 23, 2023