Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world, according to West Ham United defender Pablo Zabaleta.
The Spaniard led City to the Premier League and Carabao Cup last season, adding to his array of trophies earned during time in charge at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Zabaleta spent a season playing under Guardiola at City before leaving for the Hammers last summer.
But the 33-year-old wishes Guardiola had taken charge of the Manchester club when he was a bit younger, to fully enjoy the experience.
“He is one of the best managers in the world,” Zabaleta told BT Sport during their coverage of City’s Champions League game against Hoffenheim.
“I wish I was 25 when he took over at Man City; he’s so enthusiastic and knows how to make every single training session enjoyable.”
After missing three of West Ham’s four opening Premier League games this season amid doubts over his ability to continue at the top level, Zabaleta has played a big role in the Hammer’s three-game unbeaten run which has seen them draw with Chelsea and beat Manchester United at the weekend.
Defending Premier League champions, City are currently top of the division having won six and drawn one of their opening seven games.
However, Guardiola’s side have tasted defeat in the Champions League already, losing to French team Lyon in the opening game of their group.
Zabaleta’s only season under Pep Guardiola
Prior to Guardiola taking charge at Manchester City, Zabaleta had made a name for himself as one of the most consistent right-backs in the Premier League – helping the club to two league titles.
But Guardiola’s intent for attacking, passing football caught Zabaleta out in his sole season under the Spaniard, eventually seeing him replaced permanently by Kyle Walker.
Zabaleta’s final season at City saw him play just 32 times across all competitions, with winger Jesus Navas sometimes preferred at right-back throughout the campaign.
The post Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world – Zabaleta appeared first on Squawka News.
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