Pep Guardiola has praised Roberto De Zerbi ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Brighton this weekend.
Guardiola’s side host the Seagulls at the Etihad this weekend, with the visitors under the management of a new head coach in De Zerbi. The Italian has failed to win across his opening four games in charge, but Guardiola has backed De Zerbi to prove a success in the Premier League.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s meeting with Brighton, Guardiola praised De Zerbi’s style of play and revealed that he had sent congratulations on his appointment at the Amex Stadium.
“We have seen each other two or three times, mainly talking about football,” said Guardiola. “I’m really happy he is here; I saw the last two games and he is already playing the way he wants to play.
“His impact will be massive in the future.”
“I congratulated him by phone when he was appointed,” he added. “We haven’t spoken since.
“He plays a different way to Italy, the clubs and national team. His Sassuolo was an example, no matter the quality or investment, if you believe in something 100%, the way your team plays, you can do it.”
Guardiola also provided an update on the fitness of his squad, but remained uncertain about Kyle Walker’s hopes of making England’s World Cup squad.
“I haven’t spoken to the doctors about Kyle. Hopefully [he makes it to the World Cup].
“John [Stones] has trained for the last two days with us. Kalvin [Phillips] is much better, they are recovering very well.”
