Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted to being "overwhelmed" after Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa described him as a "magical man".
Before Saturday's clash between City and Leeds in the Premier League, Guardiola and Bielsa have traded compliments.
"He's a magical man. What he knows how to do is extremely difficult for me to try to copy and I have already given up, but I have genuine admiration for what he does," Bielsa said.
An emotional Guardiola reacted to Bielsa's comments.
“I’m overwhelmed, I feel weird," the Man City boss begun.
“He’s the most honest person. I’m pretty sure what he says is what he believes. He doesn’t say or do anything for the media for the reputation of himself.
“That’s why I’m overwhelmed. Everyone knows the admiration and respect that I have for him and the way that he helped me from the beginning. He will always be there in my heart.
"If there’s one person who can search or find the secrets, the way we want to play, it’s him, through his work ethic and especially his knowledge about the game.
“I know how tough it will be on Saturday but hopefully we’ll be prepared to compete because, as part of this, we are three games away from being champions and this is another opportunity to make a bigger step.”
While Saturday's clash is an important game at the top of the table, the game is also eagerly anticipated by coaches right around the world who so often tend to study and reference the work of both Bielsa and Guardiola.
The game is also likely to be a treat for the more casual viewer as two of the more exciting teams in the Premier League face off.
Everyone knows the quality of Man City but Leeds have impressed during their first season back in Premier League, sitting in 11th in the table with just eight matches left to play.
Kick-off is at 12:30 pm from the Etihad stadium.
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