Antonio Conte hails Pep Guardiola as top coach in contemporary football
© Getty Images
Chelsea coach Antonio Conte was all praise for his Man City counterpart Pep Guardiola ahead of their EPL clash on Saturday, saying that the Catalan is possibly the top coach in contemporary football owing to his successes in Spain and Germany.
Asked who he thinks is more famous, Conte said: “Pep, for sure. Pep won a lot in his career. He won international trophies, not only in Spain but also in Germany. Now, in England. For sure, Pep is. Now he's the top.
“It's difficult to give a judgment on myself (compared to Guardiola). Very difficult. Also, I prefer other people to give that judgement. I know me very well,” Goal.com reported him as saying.
The clash at the Etihad Stadium promises to be an intense tactical battle,
“I know that I put a lot of studying in on football to find a solution, I put a lot of time in my day
Guardiola is known for his animated mannerisms on the touchline.
“I don't know who moves their arms quicker, him (Conte) or me,” the City boss told reporters.
Asked if his gesticulations help players, he responded: “I don't think so. They don't hear you.
“I'm not talking about Antonio but I think I confuse them (the City players), but I cannot control myself. He will be stronger than me in that sense.
“I don't think it will help a lot to speak with the players, they play, I don’t play, they have to take decisions quickly. Sometimes you are involved in the game, you want to help them to make it better, you want to see them, correct something. But you have 10 minutes at half-time or maybe the day after.
“Hopefully in the
Manchester City host leaders Chelsea in a top-of-the-table clash with third-placed City just one point away from the Blues.
