Pep Guardiola hails Graham Potter and two 'fantastic' Brighton stars - 'I would love to play in this team'

Pep Guardiola had said he ranks Graham Potter as the 'best English manager' and singled out two 'fantastic' Brighton players for special praise.
Pep Guardiola ranked Graham Potter as the 'best English manager'. Photo: Getty ImagesPep Guardiola ranked Graham Potter as the 'best English manager'. Photo: Getty Images
Pep Guardiola ranked Graham Potter as the 'best English manager'. Photo: Getty Images

Phil Foden's first-half strike earned Manchester City a 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad this evening. Recap the action here.Albion defended resolutely throughout and looked a threat on the counter attack but ultimately didn't do enough to trouble Ederson in the City goal.

However, Guardiola was impressed by the Seagulls' performance.

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"We were in front of the best English manager right now," he said. "You have to be a top side to play that way.

"I am more than delighted to [have possession of] the ball, most of the time in the game.

"The quality they have, they show it. They have good players, good build-up.

"The two central defenders, [Lewis] Dunk and [Adam] Webster, are fantastic.

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"Every pass makes sense. Their movement between the lines up front makes sense. Every player is in his position to get the ball and be free.

"The people up front are so fast, with [Percy] Tau, [Neal] Maupay, until the last minute."

Guardiola said Potter's side are always a threat from open play but identified why they find themselves near the relegation zone.

He said: "They are struggling to score goals, that's why they are in the position.

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"Last season, when we played away, we had already qualified for the Champions League. We were relaxed, they were struggling and felt the pressure.

"We won 4-0 at home [last season] but 1-0 today at the end was good.

"As a spectator, I like to watch these teams. I like watching Brighton play. I recognise it.

"When I was a football player, I would love to play in this team."

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