Home Football Guardiola lauds Pochettino as one of world’s best managers

Guardiola lauds Pochettino as one of world’s best managers

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The two bosses have previously met in the dug out in Spain

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has lauded Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino as one of the best managers in the world, ahead of their meeting at White Hart Lane this weekend.

The Spaniard came up against Pochettino during his time in charge of Barcelona, when his Espanyol side ended the Catalan’s six-month unbeaten run to give Pochettino a surprise victory just after a month in charge.

And Guardiola will come up against the Argentine again this weekend, this time, in far different surroundings to the ones in which they met last time around.

Celtic have been the first side to deny Guardiola’s side victory so far this season, following their mid-week 3-3 draw against City in the Champions League group stages, while Pochettino’s side currently trail City by four points, in second in the Premier League.

However, Guardiola believes Tottenham can have another good a season as they did last campaign, when they only fell away in the title race during the last three games of the season.

“We played against each other when we were players and after that as coaches in Spain,” said Guardiola. “I don’t think he’s one of the best managers in England, he’s one of the best football managers in the world.

“I enjoy watching Tottenham. Not just right now – since last season. I think what he’s doing is an amazing job with Tottenham.

“If I had not been a coach, I would be just a fan, or if I was a young coach who wanted to become a coach, I would watch Tottenham and say ‘I would like to play that way.’ That is all I can say. I like how they play.”

There are certainly similarities between the two managers; both began their managerial careers in Spain and both have a reputation of helping to develop young players. And Guardiola has hailed Spurs’ English talent.

“He’s aggressive without the ball and has a lot of quality with his players. The team is [virtually] a national team with Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose. He has a lot of quality.” Guardiola added.

“Last season they were there with the chance to  be champions until the last two or three games of the season. And this year they are still playing in a high high level. They are second. It will be a tough, tough game. I am looking forward to going to White Hart Lane for the first time in my life as well.”

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