New Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has labelled Pep Guardiola the "best coach of all time'" in an interview that could see the Manchester City manager's love affair with the Seagulls continue.
Guardiola has made no secret of his admiration for Brighton in recent seasons, frequently name-checking them and their former manager Graham Potter when asked about City's toughest opponents in the Premier League.
While City have won nine of their 10 Premier League meetings with Brighton, Guardiola was always keen to talk about the quality of the south coast club every time the two sides met. That created the image of a good relationship between the two clubs, although recent events looked to have damaged that.
READ MORE: Man City have three players ready to change Erling Haaland narrative
The Marc Cucurella transfer saga frustrated City bosses, who could not understand why Brighton never informed them of a definite price tag. The Spanish left-back ended up moving to Chelsea for over £60million - a fee City would never have agreed to - but the whole affair left a bitter taste in the mouth.
Then in September Brighton manager Potter followed the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel. With Potter no longer in charge at the Amex Stadium, it looked like the City-Brighton friendship was well and truly over.
However, the arrival of Italian coach De Zerbi - a close friend of Guardiola's - might just keep the flame burning, especially if he and Guardiola continue to be as complimentary of each other in public as they have been so far.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of his side's match against Tottenham on Saturday, De Zerbi spoke about Guardiola and City, who he'll face at the Etihad Stadium in two weeks' time.
"I think Guardiola... for me he is the best coach of all time. I remember his Barcelona changed the vision of football. At Bayern Munich, it was amazing, the same now at City."
Like his predecessor Potter, comparisons can be made between De Zerbi's coaching style and Guardiola's. First and foremost is the way his team has a clear identity.
"I respect every kind of football [style]. I have my style. I have my idea. I have in my head clearly what I want to do and how my team plays."
MORE TO READ:
