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

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

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.

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However, Guardiola was impressed by the Seagulls' performance.

"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.

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"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.

"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.

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"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.

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

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