"His impact in England will be massive" - Pep Guardiola lauds Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi ahead of Premier League clash
Pep Guardiola hailed Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi as Manchester City prepare for a visit from the Seagulls this weekend.
Manchester City have made a strong start to their title defence following a successful transfer window that saw them make a series of eye-catching acquisitions.
Erling Haaland has been scoring for fun whilst the likes of Julian Alvarez, Manuel Akanji and Stefan Ortega have all impressed - with Kalvin Phillips still sidelined with a shoulder injury.
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The Blues suffered their first loss of the campaign last week as Mohamed Salah's strike was enough to help Liverpool claim a vital win over the Premier League champions at Anfield.
City remain in second place in the league table ahead of Saturday's league clash against Brighton, who played out a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest in midweek.
Guardiola's men were allowed a week's time to rest and recover ahead of a tricky week that will see them feature against Brighton, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester in the space of a week.
Asked in his press conference on Friday if his side thereby hold an advantage over the Seagulls heading into the clash, Guardiola said: "One advantage in seven years (is) not a problem.
"We are used to play until the last stages of competitions, all the teams who don't play in Europe have advantage over teams who don't play in Europe.
"If you take this point, they are better. We rest to prepare (for) the game. Normally, we play games where others have more time, (and) we never complain. When we play Arsenal, the other teams will rest."
Brighton appointed Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi as head coach after Graham Potter moved to Chelsea following their sacking of Thomas Tuchel.
Ahead of as big a test as many in English football, De Zerbi has made quite the impression at the Amex with his style of football and passion on the touchline.
Quizzed about his thoughts on the Seagulls boss, Guardiola said: "We've seen each other two or three times, (we) talked football.
"(I am) happy he is here. I saw the last two games, (Brighton are) already playing the way they want to.
"His impact in England will be massive. I congratulate him by the phone when he was appointed."
Manchester City will be looking to return to winning ways against Brighton on Saturday after a disappointing performance at Anfield last week.
Despite heading into the game as favourites, the Blues were criticised for being perhaps too reserved in their approach against Liverpool and Guardiola will be keen to get a reaction from his side this weekend.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Brighton And Hove Albion, Pep Guardiola, Football
Vayam Lahoti