Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Praises Brighton Manager Roberto de Zerbi
Guardiola Hails De Zerbi's Coaching Skills
Guardiola Impressed by De Zerbi's Sassuolo Success
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi, labeling him an "acolyte" of his own coaching philosophy and an admirer of Marcelo Bielsa. Guardiola, who has won 11 league titles in three different countries, has been impressed by De Zerbi's work at Sassuolo from 2018-21 and sees him as a potential successor at Manchester City.
De Zerbi, who first met Guardiola in 2013, spoke to the Manchester City boss before taking over as Brighton manager and has since implemented a similar high-pressing, possession-based style of play. Guardiola is known for developing young players and fostering a positive team environment, qualities that De Zerbi has also demonstrated at Brighton.
The Italian coach's success at Brighton has not gone unnoticed, with the Seagulls currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League table. De Zerbi's attacking style of play has been praised by pundits and supporters alike, and he has quickly become a popular figure at the Amex Stadium.
It remains to be seen whether De Zerbi will one day replace Guardiola at Manchester City, but the Spaniard's high praise suggests that he is certainly on the right track.
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