Antonio Conte: ‘Pep Guardiola best manager around’

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola, describing his Manchester City counterpart as the best manager in world football.

The two men lock horns at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon looking to build on their impressive starts to the campaign, which has seen City collect three points more than their title rivals.

Conte topped Guardiola last season by lifting the Premier League crown, but the Italian admits that he is strongly influenced by his opposite number’s work as they prepare to face off this weekend.

“I have great respect for Pep and I think he’s the best,” he told reporters. “I like to watch his side’s games. Every coach tries to learn new information and new ideas and then try to elaborate on them with their own thoughts.

“We know very well that Guardiola’s team likes to dominate the game, have a lot of possession, and create many chances to score. He tries to create a squad with a lot of technical and creative players to try and deliver his ideas on the pitch.

“Manchester City have improved on last season and brought in a lot of good signings. They have started very well and are in a great moment with lots of confidence. We have to pay attention tomorrow, as it won’t be easy against City.”

Defending champions Chelsea were the only side to beat Man City home and away in the Premier League last season.