Following a thrilling 1-1 draw between both teams on Wednesday night, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was the inspiration behind him becoming a coach.
With their title essentially locked up, Manchester City appeared to be headed for their 29th league victory of the season after Phil Foden scored the first goal of the game.
However, a stunning goal by Seagulls attacker Julio Enciso gave Brighton a share of the victory. The point also ensured Brighton’s participation in the Europa League for the upcoming season.
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, praised Roberto de Zerbi before the game, calling him “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years.”
Brighton has 20 points against “Big 6” opponents in the Premier League this season.
The only team with more is Man City (21) 😮
Earlier this week, Pep Guardiola called Roberto De Zerbi “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years” 👏 pic.twitter.com/eeKVZzrtfZ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 25, 2023
Trending Stories: Real Madrid Legend Linked With PSG Job, Prefers To Replace Carlo Ancelotti
The 43-year-old Italian tactician has now repaid the praise, saying if it wasn’t for Guardiola, he probably would not have got into coaching.
“I became a coach for him. I don’t know if it’s a good thing. But I became a coach for him because I loved his Barcelona.
“I studied him a lot. I don’t love to copy anyone and I didn’t copy, but I took [things from him] when I started to be a coach. And before, also, when I finished as a player.
“Pep is still number one,” said Roberto De Zerbi.
The full-time changing room scenes after Brighton qualified for Europe for the first time with owner Tony Bloom and manager Roberto De Zerbi. 💙 pic.twitter.com/jtvPeVlcVc
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 24, 2023
COMMENTS